Rangnick plots Man Utd transformation with four German talents, as ‘next Havertz’ just the start
Ralf Rangnick plans to transform Manchester United by signing four of the best up-and-coming German talents, according to a report.
The interim Red Devils manager’s key task is to guide the club to a top-four finish after a shaky start to the season. However, he is to stay on at Old Trafford in a consultancy role for two years.
Indeed, that role will begin in the summer, with the upcoming January transfer window his only opportunity to affect his squad as manager.
Nevertheless, Rangnick worked wonders as a transfer fixer at RB Leipzig and RB Salzburg in previous jobs. And The Sun now claims that the 63-year-old has big plans to improve United.
The newspaper claims that the German wants to bring some of his country’s top talents to Old Trafford.
The first is Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Florian Wirtz. Earlier reports claimed that United chiefs believe that Rangnick’s presence gives them the edge over Liverpool and Chelsea in the race for the 18-year-old.
Wirtz, who became the third-youngest Germany debutant in September, has drawn comparisons with Chelsea’s former Leverkusen star Kai Havertz.
Secondly, left midfielder Luca Netz is on Rangnick’s radar at Man Utd. The 18-year-old rose through Hertha Berlin’s ranks but left for Borussia Monchengladbach earlier this year.
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He has impressed in his debut season, appearing in 12 of 17 Bundesliga games. Germany Under-21 international Netz gets up and down the left flank and can also play at left-back.
Midfielder Eric Martel is the third player Rangnick has his eyes on. The 19-year-old is on RB Leipzig’s books and was a player Rangnick helped bring to the club in 2017.
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After remaining on the bench in the Bundesliga last season, he signed up to an 18-month loan with Austria Vienna, which ends next summer.
A defensive midfielder, Martel has played 45 times for his loan club and is also a Germany Under-21 international.
Rangnick eyes promising German defender
Finally, The Sun says that United’s interim boss is showing interest in centre-back Armel Bella-Kotchap.
The 20-year-old, who stands at 6ft 2in, helped Bochum seal promotion to the Bundesliga last season.
This term, meanwhile, he has developed top-flight experience with his club 12th in the table.
The four players are starlets who Rangnick may choose to help sign in his consultancy role at Old Trafford.
Elsewhere, Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez has reportedly become a target for the Red Devils.
