Dayot Upamecano is one of the most sought-after players in Europe (Getty Images)
According to France Football (h/t Daily Express), Manchester United have upped their interest in RB Leipzig defender Dayot Upamecano.
The 21-year-old centre-back has earned rave reviews in Germany after his rock-solid displays at the back for the Leipzig this season. Upamecano is a constant presence in the Leipzig backline that has the joint best defensive record in Bundesliga this season.
Leipzig alongside table-toppers Bayern Munich have conceded just 26 goals this season from their overall 25 league matches. And Upamecano has played a major role in his team’s defensive solidity.
A consistent and steady backline has seen the side climb to third place in the league this season. A regular within the side, Upamecano has played 21 games for the side in the league, missing some matches early in the season due to injury issues.
Leipzig have kept seven clean sheets with Upamecano on the field. He has been part of 10 out of their overall 14 wins in the league. His numbers give a fair idea of the youngster’s worth within the squad. Upamecano has also been a key player in their Champions League squad, making six appearances altogether.
With the £35m rated centre-back’s performances hitting top-notch, clubs such as Manchester United and rivals Arsenal have now lined up for his signature (h/t Daily Express).
Meanwhile, the Red Devils’ boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has seen his defence improve considerably this season.
The arrival of Englishman Harry Maguire from Leicester City last summer has stabilised a United defence, that lacked consistency. The defensive pairings of Maguire and Swede Victor Lindelof has looked confident with the side conceding just 30 goals from 29 league games.
Meanwhile, the side’s other defenders – Eric Bailly and Axel Tuanzebe have impressed when given chance, despite injuries restricting them from being regular starters.
However, for Manchester United to take the next step in their bid to reach the gloried heights of their past, Solskjaer should add more quality to the squad and improve his side’s strength ahead of next season. And, Upamecano, who will be available for a cut-price deal, would be the right way to go about things for the club.
They also consider him as a cheaper alternative to higher-priced Napoli centre-back Kalidou Koulibaly, whom they have been eyeing for quite some time. Moreover, with uncertainty surrounding the future of Chris Smalling and Phil Jones, a move for Upamecano makes sense.
Smalling’s loan club Roma are hopeful of securing his services permanently after his stellar displays in Italy this season. Unwanted man Jones, on the other hand, has attracted interest from rivals Newcastle United. A reliable and consistent defender, young Upamecano has proved his mettle at Leipzig. Hence, United will be making a good future investment by signing him.
In Upamecano, United clearly have a proven customer available for a cheaper price when compared to Kalidou Koulibaly. Also, considering Bailly and Tuanzebe’s history with injuries, bringing the young Leipzig defender would be a safe bet. By signing him, United can land a player for now and the future.
