According to Bild journalist Christian Falk, Manchester United have made an offer to the agents of Denis Zakaria in the hope of signing a pre-contract. The interim coach of United Ralf Rangnick is said to be an admirer of the Swiss international. Moreover, Zakaria’s contract with Monchengladbach is due to expire in June.
Zakaria has been a topic of speculation for the past few weeks as there are few other clubs interested in the Swiss. Clubs can either get him for free in the summer or for a bargain in January. Moreover, Zakaria will not be signing a renewal at Monchengladbach which attracted a few competitors.
Manchester United’s midfield does not look like a midfield that plays in a Ralf Rangnick team. Therefore, to accelerate the process, buying players which suit Rangnick’s demands is the way to go. Zakaria has the aggression and ball-winning skills that are required while playing under Rangnick.
Denis Zakaria has made 144 appearances for Gladbach since 2017. He has appeared on 16 occasions this season for his club. This shows how important a player he can be for his club. Similarly, he can be very crucial for Manchester United in order to develop further as a unit. However, Falk claims that United are not in talks for a winter deal but is willing to pay a transfer fee this month.
What Denis Zakaria can offer Manchester United?
Denis Zakaria has drawn comparisons to Patrick Vieira and Paul Pogba. He is also a long-limbed player very much like Vieira and Pogba. Similarly, he is also a strong, fine tackler, and also distributes the ball well. This is exactly what Manchester United needs in the midfield. McTominay and Fred have some good abilities however, Zakaria is an all-in-one package.
Zakaria makes 1.6 tackles and 1.2 interceptions per game. Moreover, he has a passing success rate of 89.1% and attempts 1.5 long balls per game (stats via whoscored). He will immediately slot in the playing 11 of United as Rangnick needs that energy and aggression in midfield.
Manchester United are failing to create big chances and not scoring. Rangnick’s high pressing will only work if United wins the ball early in the opposition half. However, they are failing to do so and consequently not creating enough chances. Therefore, Zakaria can help Manchester United in that aspect by helping them defensively and also offensively.
Manchester United should definitely sign Zakaria in the summer if not in winter. He is currently a better midfielder than what United currently has. United have to build and develop a squad again to win trophies next season. The only trophies they still have a chance at are the FA Cup and the Champions League. However, that also looks a bit difficult for the club.
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