Despite being without a manager, Manchester United have already begun their planning for the upcoming summer transfer window.
Current interim boss Ralf Rangnick is one of the men leading their efforts to revamp the squad ahead of next season. But in doing so, it would appear that the Red Devils are employing what could end up being a dangerous strategy.
United require a root and branch overhaul following yet another season without a trophy and with a place in next season's Champions League unlikely. Rather than wait for a new boss to dictate transfer policy though, the Red Devils are already pressing ahead with their plans.
A new central midfielder is one of their top targets for the upcoming window and according to BILD, the Premier League giants have 'expressed an interest' in RB Leipzig man Konrad Laimer. The Austrian is out of contract next year and has caught the eye with a series of impressive performances.
It is said that Rangnick is an 'admirer' of Laimer and could put his name forward as someone to move for in the summer. That should come as no surprise given that Rangnick signed him while sporting director of both Red Bull Salzburg and later at Leipzig.
Laimer is clearly talented, given that he scored twice and notched an assist in the hammering of Borussia Dortmund last Saturday. But United's apparent interest in him does highlight a potentially dangerous strategy that the Red Devils have chosen to employ.
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Rangnick will move into a consultancy role when his time as interim boss comes to an end in May. That role is set to see him take some responsibility for transfer planning, given his success while in a sporting director role at the Red Bull group of clubs.
United have almost exclusively appeared to be linked with players who Rangnick has previously signed for Leipzig for Salzburg. While they may have performed well for those sides in the past, the step up to playing for United will be vast.
Given their struggles, United need proven performers at the top level to come in to help turn the club around. Their attempts to turn potential gems into stars has been mixed in recent years, with barely any of their signings having the impact required.
The apparent narrow focus of their strategy so far is a dangerous line to tread, with United exclusively eyeing moves for Leipzig or Salzburg players. A look at the policy of their Premier League rivals would appear to highlight how the Red Devils could fall flat in their revamp.
The likes of Manchester City, Chelsea and Arsenal rarely focus their attentions on just one source of potential targets. Instead they bring in players from clubs across the world when looking to boost their squads.
Rangnick may well know the Leipzig and Salzburg players inside-out, but when signing them for the Red Bull group he had totally different objectives. United need to beware pursuing those targets as a result, especially as their new manager is yet to deliver their input on who to bring in.
