Ralf Rangnick previews Man Utd's clash with Southampton
Manchester United boss Ralf Rangnick has suggested RB Leipzig’s Christopher Nkunku as a potential transfer target for the summer window, according to reports. The 24-year-old has been in fine form this season, scoring 19 goals and registering 13 assists in 31 appearances across all competitions. So Express Sport will now take a look at the five players who wouldn’t be happy if a deal was to be struck at the end of the campaign.
Nkunku is a versatile player, with the former Paris Saint-Germain star capable of playing in both midfield and attack.
Given his best performances have come when he’s been deployed as a No 10, his potential arrival would be yet another blow for Donny van de Beek.
The Netherlands international is currently spending the rest of the season on loan at Everton having failed to impress Rangnick and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer before him.
Van de Beek’s start to life on Merseyside has been encouraging but he wants to fight for a starting berth at United next term.
However, his chances of regular action would certainly be damaged if Nkunku was to arrive.
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Like Van de Beek, Hannibal Mejbri is another United player who is a natural No 10.
The Tunisia international is a prodigious talent, having wowed coaches ever since arriving from Monaco back in the summer transfer window of 2019.
Yet given Nkunku’s performances for Leipzig this term, any move for the ex-PSG star would be another obstacle when it comes to Hannibal making the first team.
United could even loan out the teenager at the end of the campaign.
A year elsewhere would be good for his development, especially if it meant him getting regular game time.
Man Utd duo Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial may struggle after Christopher Nkunku transfer (Image: GETTY)
Anthony Martial
Anthony Martial was barely given a chance by United this season before he was loaned out to Sevilla.
Given the Red Devils refused to insert a clause into the deal that allows the La Liga giants to sign him permanently, it’s feasible he’ll be involved under a different manager next term.
But Nkunku’s arrival, like Cristiano Ronaldo’s in the summer, would impact his chances of regular action.
With Martial about to enter the twilight years of his career, he’ll want to be playing regularly.
Yet that ship appears to have sailed at Old Trafford.
Man Utd signing Christopher Nkunku would be bad for Amad and Donny van de Beek (Image: GETTY)
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Amad
Amad has become something of a forgotten player at United.
Like Martial, he wasn’t given a chance by either Rangnick or Solskjaer prior to leaving for Rangers on loan.
Already he’s facing a fight to get into this United side ahead of Jadon Sancho, Rashford and Martial.
So any deal for Nkunku could feasibly trigger him into exploring his options elsewhere.
United still view Amad as one for the future but, given their plight, they really need players for the now.