When Manchester United signed Raphael Varane from Real Madrid in the summer, the feeling was that he could be the man to transform the club’s defence and turn it into one of the best in the Premier League. Unfortunately, that has not happened till now. The Frenchman has had his fair share on injury problems since arriving at Old Trafford while players like Harry Maguire, Luke Shaw and Aaron Wan-Bissaka have struggled to replicate their form from last season.
Thus, if things don’t improve over the course of the season, it would not be a huge surprise to see them go for another centre-back in the future.
One player that Manchester United have been linked with recently is Chelsea’s Antonio Rudiger, whose current deal at Stamford Bridge runs out next summer and the club has not been able to agree an extension with the German international yet.
And as tweeted out by Christian Falk, Ralf Rangnick knows his agent and brother Sahr Senesie very well and signalled willingness to negotiate.
Could Manchester United sign Rudiger next summer?
During Frank Lampard’s time as Chelsea manager, Rudiger was struggling and had fallen out of the starting XI at the club. Since the arrival of Thomas Tuchel though, he has undergone a complete transformation.
It is arguable that he has been one of the top 3 defenders in the world in 2021 and was a major part behind Chelsea’s Champions League winning campaign last season.
Thus, if the opportunity is there to sign him, especially on a free transfer, Manchester United should definitely consider it. Although competition is expected to be tough for Rudiger’s signature and it is believed that if he was to leave Chelsea, he would prefer a move abroad.
Real Madrid are believed to be the favourites in that scenario although the possibility of him remaining at Chelsea cannot be ruled out either at this stage.