Amadou Haidara transfer failure explained as star’s stance leaves Rangnick with serious concerns

Manchester United have reportedly been left with ‘major concerns’ over whether to pursue a summer deal for Amadou Haidara after RB Leipzig chief Christopher Vivell revealed the midfielder rejected a January approach.

The Mali international was quickly idenitifed as a priority transfer target for United following Ralf Rangnick’s appointment. With the midfield outlined as an area of weakness, the German was looking to reunite with his former charge.

Ultimately though, United finished the window empty handed. However, Rangnick’s options in the last half of the season are much reduced after a number of departures.

To that end, Anthony Martial, Amad Diallo, Donny van de Beek, Ethan Laird and Teden Mengi were all moved on.

And while only Van de Beek would have been an option in the centre of the park, United’s midfield options remain a concern.

However, it’s now been explained why the club failed to bring in Haidara, who was Rangnick’s No 1 option.

The midfielder has a £33m exit clause in his deal, meaning his signing for United would have been relatively straightforward.

And despite being on AFCON duty over the month, had all parties agreed on the move then the signing could have been done.

As it was, despite United pushing again late in the window to sign him, Haidara rejected the move.

Midfielder ‘wasn’t ready to make move’

And as per Vivell, Haidara was against the idea of changing sides mid-season.

“It’s especially the case with the boys who are at the Africa Cup,” Leipzig’s technical director Vivell told Sky Germany, as cited by the Daily Mirror.

“Amadou Haidara has been with us for a long time and he’s an important player.

Manchester United target Amadou Haidara addresses Old Trafford rumours

Manchester United target Amadou Haidara has directly responded to rumours linking the midfielder to Old Trafford.

“I don’t think he really wanted that, just to go somewhere else.”

As such, reports indicate United are upset and concerned by Haidara’s stance. It also seemingly puts in doubt reported plans over a summer swoop for the 24-year-old.

Rangnick still very much intends to strengthen his midfield options. However, he could instead look to pursue deals for Declan Rice – for which his exit ‘looks certain’ – or Jude Bellingham.

Haidara a big Man Utd fan

Reports that United will look elsewhere for a midfielder will come as a big personal blow to Haidara.

Indeed, the midfielder has previously outlined his admiration for United, having supported them as a child.

“Everyone had a favourite team as a kid. Mine was Manchester United,” he told Bild.

“I was a big fan of Cristiano Ronaldo, I liked Paul Scholes, Patrice Evra, Edwin van der Sar, Anderson.

“But if you want to talk to me about rumours: I’m at Leipzig and I feel good.”

Former United striker Andy Cole reckons Haidara’s January rejection is a sign of the times for United.

He said: “If you’re playing and have the option of all these clubs, where would United really figure at this moment in time?

“Even though I love United, I don’t think the club now can ride on its name alone, especially when you’re trying to bring these players in.

“It’s not like when I signed for United. We have to be brutally honest, back then everybody wanted to go there.”

READ MORE: Rangnick successor becomes clearer as number one Man Utd target ‘to leave’ in summer