The obvious talking point from Manchester United's game against Aston Villa was that the club needs a new central midfielder.
United's 2-2 draw showed that the centre of the park are still getting run ragged towards the end of the 90 minutes, and while there's undoubtedly been an improvement from some of the central players, there is 'a profile missing,' as Ralf Rangnick has claimed.
So far, there have been no indications that United intend to dip their toes in the January transfer market, and the MEN understands that any incomings are unlikely this month.
However, this hasn't stopped multiple reports linking Rangnick's team with a midfielder, and the latest rumours have suggested that United could make a move for RB Leipzig midfielder Amadou Haidara.
Rangnick will know Haidara from his time at RB Salzburg and RB Leipzig, and his relationship with the player will undoubtedly play a key role in bringing the player to Old Trafford.
But is he what United need, and is he any better than the current midfielders at the club? This got us thinking, so our United On My Mind writer, Omar Garrick, has assessed whether Amadou Haidara is the perfect midfielder for Ralf Rangnick.
Defensive actions
If United are going to bring a new midfielder to Old Trafford, it needs to be a suitable profile and it's clear that Haidara suits Rangnick's philosophy in wanting his team to press high up the pitch.
As per FBRef.com, Haidara has averaged 37.6 per cent successful pressures, which is more than any other United midfielder (Donny van de Beek is second with 37.5).
Haidara has also averaged 2.27 blocks per 90 this season, the second-highest amount compared to United's other central midfielders (Donny van de Beek has averaged 2.5).
What's also interesting is that Haidara averages the second-highest amount of tackles in the middle 1/3 of the pitch (0.93 compared to Fred's 1.14 per 90). This shows that he's a presence in the middle of the pitch and can easily create successful turnovers for Rangnick's team.
Possession
What's also essential from a central midfielder is control, which Rangnick has often spoken about. Saturday's draw at Villa Park proved United are still lacking in dominating performances, and a new midfielder is critical in helping the team maintain supremacy against lower opposition.
Haidara mainly operates just inside his own half and has qualities to help United push higher up the pitch. He averages 6.08 progressive passes per 90, which is only second to Paul Pogba (8 per 90).
It's also clear that Haidara is comfortable in possession, even when the opposition is pressing. He's made 11.9 passes while under pressure from an opponent, which is the highest compared to United's other midfielders.
One area where Haidara lacks compared to United's midfield players is in his passing ability, and while it isn't terrible, there's certainly room for improvement.
He's averaged an 80.2 per cent pass success rate, which is the second-lowest compared to the rest of United's midfielders. He has to get better at this, but I think this would automatically improve as he will surround himself with higher quality footballers.
Conclusion
Amadou Haidara would be a massive improvement to what United currently has in progressing the ball and getting the team to push higher up the pitch.
While he needs to improve on his passing attributes, he's comfortable in possession and likes to look forward rather than sideways, which United has been missing for a long time.
If he joined Rangnick's team, he would improve what the squad are currently lacking in midfield.
Would Haidara be a good fit for United? Follow our United On My Mind writer Omar Garrick on Twitter to get involved in the discussion and give us your thoughts on the matter in the comments section below.
