Man Utd: Solskjaer confident forwards can be match for all
Manchester United have continually played down speculation tipping them to recruit in the January transfer window. But reports have suggested they’re keen to land RB Leipzig powerhouse Dayot Upamecano and could even make a move for the France international this month. And, if he does indeed move to Old Trafford, that would likely please Paul Scholes - who compared the centre-back to Rio Ferdinand Jaap Stam earlier in the season.
United have seen centre-backs Harry Maguire, Victor Lindelof and Eric Bailly all impress amid the club’s impressive Premier League run.
They also have high hopes for young duo Axel Tuanzebe and Teden Mengi, who have both struggled for game time this term.
But, not one to sit still, United could yet improve in that department.
The Mirror claim they’re determined to recruit Upamecano and, knowing Liverpool want the Frenchman as well, are mulling over whether to jump the gun this month.
The France international has been in terrific form over the past year, with his solid displays helping Leipzig become a force both domestically and on the European stage.
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And, earlier in the season, Scholes likened him to former team-mates Stam and Ferdinand.
“This is the type of defender I think United need, he’s very different to Maguire and Lindelof,” he said on BT Sport.
"He absolutely loves one-on-ones, he loves getting down that channel because he knows he’s gonna beat them.
“It’s very much the same as what Rio used to do, what Jaap Stam used to do.
"It frees the rest of the team to worry about attacking play, because you know you’ve got a centre-half who is going to defend and he’ll do it all day.”
What’s curious, is that a United charm offensive already appears to have started.
Solskjaer himself described Upamecano as a ‘very good player’ earlier in the season - before the Frenchman was shredded by Marcus Rashford in a 5-1 defeat.
"There's always rumours and speculation about good players for Manchester United," Solskjaer told reporters during at a press conference.
"I've always tried to respect [that] they are players for other teams and don't want to comment on every player we are linked to.
"But since he's playing against us tomorrow, I know he's a very good player and we can see him close up tomorrow."