Manchester United have been quiet in the transfer window so far, but could soon spring to action as they have reportedly been linked with a move for RB Leipzig defender Dayot Upamecano.
ESPN claim that signing a centre-back is now a priority for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, who is ready to meet Leipzig’s valuation of €60million this summer.
Upamecano signed a new deal with the German outfit earlier this month and will be available for just €42m at the end of the next season. But should United make a move this summer?
Dayot Upamecano and his rise
The 21-year-old started his senior career in Austria, where he spent a couple of seasons, before moving to the Bundesliga in 2017.
Since moving to Germany, Upamecano not only cemented a place in the first team but has slowly established himself as one of the best centre-backs, not just in the Bundesliga, but also in Europe.
He put in impressive displays in the club’s Champions League run to the semi-final last season, where he announced himself to the biggest clubs in Europe, so Manchester United’s interest is not really a surprise.
In his three years with Leipzig, he hardly ever made a glaring error leading to a goal and is easily one of the best defenders in the game at his age.
Is he the right player for Manchester United?
The Red Devils currently have the most expensive defender in the world on their books in Harry Maguire, yet they have not put in the displays you would expect from them.
Victor Lindelof and Eric Bailly have been decent in patches but lack of consistency might see them drop out of the first team next season.
Solskjaer does have Chris Smalling, coming back from a loan stint and Phil Jones, both of who do not seem to be in the manager’s plans. So signing a central defender this summer is a priority for United and there are very few options in the market that are as attractive as the Leipzig star.
Upamecano has all the attributes that will allow him to be a success in the Premier League and his partnership with Maguire at the back could turn into one of the best in England.
A technically gifted footballer, Upamecano is a strong and dominating presence in his box. He loves to take on players to get out of tight situations and more often than not, makes the right decision, even under pressure.
His positioning and understanding of the game allow him to make defending look easy. He is quick across the turf and can be effective in a high line but against tougher opponents, Upamecano is also adept at dropping deep and soaking up pressure for long periods.
At just 21, he may take time to integrate with the first team at Old Trafford but do you think Upamecano is the right man for United?
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