Manchester United target Dayot Upamecano addresses RB Leipzig future

Dayot Upamecano has poured cold water on rumours that he could join Manchester United and insists he remains fully focused on matters at RB Leipzig.

United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer needs defensive reinforcements. More specifically, a centre-back to make up for Harry Maguire’s lack of mobility and pace, but a vast improvement on Victor Lindelof at the same time.

According to ESPN reporter Mark Ogden, Solskjaer has already identified Upamecano as a target for the position.

The 21-year-old is regarded as one of the finest young centre-backs in European football and his performances in the Champions League (most notably against Atletico Madrid) last season had everyone talking.

That led to constant speculation over Upamecano’s future, but he has spoken out about interest from Europe’s elite.

In a TV interview with Telefoot’s Culture Foot programme this week, Upamecano committed his short-term future to RB Leipzig.

‘For the moment I am with Leipzig but it is true that I was able to discuss with certain clubs,’ he said (via Metro).

‘As I said, for now I am focused on Leipzig and I will continue to play for Leipzig. And then we’ll see.

‘You never know what can happen in a football season.’

It would be a huge mistake if Solskjaer didn’t sign a new centre-back before the transfer window shuts. The team is crying out for a better option than Lindelof, and this weekend against Brighton I would be starting Eric Bailly.

If Bailly or Axel Tuanzebe could stay away from injuries we might not be in this panic over a centre-back.

Read more: Manchester United set three player shortlist for potential left-back transfer

More Stories Dayot Upamecano Manchester United RB Leipzig