New boss Ralf Rangnick has expressed an interest in bringing Borussia Dortmund center-half Manuel Akanji to Manchester United. Niklas Sule agreeing to a summer move to BVB sent ripples through Germany.
The centre-back’s arrival seems to makes it more probable that defender Dan-Axel Zagadou might depart on a free agent in the summer. German outlet Fussball Transfers claimed that United reached out to them in January.
Some might say that that frees up an even finer option. German channel Sport1 account that Sule’s approaching arrival has left Manuel Akanji unsettled. He may now be less plausible to sign a new deal, with his previous one expiring in 2023.
Sport1 paint Ralf Rangnick as ‘very interested’ in Akanji with a possibility of recommending the Red Devils higher-ups to make a move.
Manual Akanji – The perfect fit for Manchester United
Dan-Axel Zagadou stands as more of a developmental prospect to take Eric Bailly’s place, However, moving in for Akanji will put forth a completely distinct play. The Swiss International would be a big improvement to the first team and most likely take Harry Maguire’s spot alongside Raphael Varane.
Maguire has been nothing but awful. In United’s draw with Burnley, he was way off the mark and cost them a goal at each end. He has continued to look like the worst captain in the Premier League.
Sport1 further reported that Akanji has aspired for a switch to the Premier League. As a bonus, he could cost just about £25,000,000.
With 38 international caps for Switzerland, the 26-year-old has registered 148 appearances for Dortmund. Jadon Sancho and Ralf Rangnick would second this deal, given that either of them have had a good gauge of his capabilities. But the final decision of course rests with the next manager.
Manuel Akanji is a pacey center-half and is able to use both feet equally well. His has registered a 90% passing rate this term with an aerial dual success rate of 2.2. These numbers are second only to colleague Mats Hummels in the Yellow Wall.
Red Devils in need of reinforcements
The Swiss has confessed to being a Red Devils fan. In 2018, The Mirror quoted him saying: “Many know that Manchester United has been my favourite club since childhood. It would be nice to play there.”
Evidently, Manchester United need strengthening in a number of areas – Striker, midfield, and right-back. Centre-back however is an area which the Reds would rather not speak of unless absolutely necessary.
As for their skipper, Maguire’s campaign is edging them closer in that direction. If left up to Ralf Rangnick to make a recommendation for a replacement, Akanji would probably top the list.
Akanji is an accomplished and promising option. Furthermore, his signature does not require breaking the bank given his contract. This would then allow United to allocate funds to improve other areas as well.
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