Manchester United are heading in a new direction, with a new signing becoming the sign of things to come
(Image credit: Getty)
Manchester United are pursuing a deal for a Bundesliga star in what could become a brand new direction for how the club recruit players.
RB Leipzig midfielder Konrad Laimer is being targeted, according to German publication Bild, in a move almost certainly spearheaded by current interim manager Ralf Rangnick, who is stepping into a consultancy role at the end of the season.
Laimer is not the prototypical United signing, either. The 24-year-old is out of contract next season and should be available cheaply – while his positional intelligence is one of his biggest strengths.
(Image credit: Getty)
While United have often favoured big names and up-and-coming stars over the past few years in the transfer market, Laimer is an example of how the strategy is altering at Old Trafford. A utility man who can operate in a number of systems, the Austrian is more of a system player and a better presser than many of United's midfielders.
With Erik Ten Hag expected to take the United job this summer, the Dutchman will favour a style reliant on intensity off the ball and good structure in possession. While Laimer is not the world-class name that Red Devils supporters are used to being linked to, he fits the bill as a squad player.
(Image credit: PA)
United are expected to lose a number of A-listers this summer, in the form of Cristiano Ronaldo and Paul Pogba, while the likes of Marcus Rashford and Harry Maguire have also been touted for exits.
Mark White has been at on FourFourTwo since joining in January 2020, first as a staff writer before becoming content editor in 2023. An encyclopedia of football shirts and boots knowledge – both past and present – Mark has also represented FFT at both FA Cup and League Cup finals (though didn't receive a winners' medal on either occasion) and has written pieces for the mag ranging on subjects from Bobby Robson's season at Barcelona to Robinho's career. He has written cover features for the mag on Mikel Arteta and Martin Odegaard, and is assisted by his cat, Rosie, who has interned for the brand since lockdown.
