RB Leipzig star Christopher Nkunku is reportedly looking to leave the club this summer after an incredible campaign which may give Manchester United a lifeline in their pursuit of the forward.
Ralf Rangnick is a huge fan of the Frenchman but was left baffled by the lack of information on offer at Old Trafford in terms of his profile. The German was furious that Nkunku had been overlooked by the scouting department and changes ahve already been made to the department ahead of Erik ten Hag's arrival.
The Red Devils have turned their attention towards Nkunku after a sensational campaign with RB Leipzig where he has been incredible in front of goal. In 49 appearances in all competitions, the Frenchman has scored 32 times and assisted 20. What has also impressed the long list of clubs interested across the continent is his versatility. The 24-year-old has played up front, in attacking midfield and on either flank in a fluid system at Leipzig under current boss Dominic Tedesco.
According to BILD, Nkunku has made the decision to leave the Bundesliga club this summer as he wants to take the 'next step' in his career. That would bring an end to his three-year stay in Germany with Leipzig and there is no shortage of interest across Europe. United have been linked with a potential move ahead of the summer transfer window but Manchester City, Arsenal and Chelsea have also all taken a closer look at the forward. Rangnick is a known admirer of the player while he prepares to leave his role as interim manager at the end of the season.
But the Red Devils might need a revamp of their scouting department with Rangnick already falling victim to their failings. According to ESPN, the German coach was left infuriated by their lack of data in January. The former Red Bull chief wanted to bolster United's squad in January but was left shocked when he was told by the club's scouts that they were not tracking the Nkunku.
And since then, there have been some huge changes in their administration. Long-term staff members Jim Lawlor and Marcel Bout left United last month while Matt Judge, the club's director of football negotiations, will also depart Old Trafford later this year. However, whether Rangnick's fury played any role remains to be seen.
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What it does mean is that there will be some drastic changes to the club's scouting system ahead of Erik ten Hag's appointment at the end of the season. In truth, it has been a long time coming after a series of failures in the transfer window.
But with Nkunku looking to move on and United wanting a fresh start, the two could be a match made in heaven while Ten Hag might be the perfect manager for the France international. The Dutchman has a very particular style of football that he wants his side to play.
And that would suit the former Paris Saint-Germain ace, whose fluid movement would be an asset for most teams on the planet. The incoming United boss wants to keep Cristiano Ronaldo and deploying the in-form pair in attack could prove to be a frightening prospect in the Premier League.
