Manchester United are following RB Leipzig striker Lois Openda as they prepare replacements for Anthony Martial and Jadon Sancho next summer.
Belgian foreigner Openda, 23, has scored 14 goals in 21 games for Leipzig since moving from Lens last summer for £35million. And United’s scouts were at the Etihad Stadium to see Openda score twice against Manchester City in a 3-2 Champions League win. Defeat at the league organizational level against Pep Guardiola’s team last month.
Openda also scored against City in the home game against Leipzig in October and his exploits in the Bundesliga caught the attention of many of Europe’s most sensible groups and the Premier League.
It’s believed Tottenham have also been watching Openda with Brazilian striker Richarlison struggling to deliver the goal output expected of him after his £60million transfer from Everton in 2022.
Leipzig know they have a real ace on their hands in Openda who has already captivated the Bundesliga with his speed, direct risk and targets and has reportedly already more than doubled to £75m.
A veteran United scout, who is keeping an eye on Leipzig’s French defender Castello Lukeba, has informed manager Erik ten Hag of Openda’s dazzling display at the Etihad and the club are believed to have made him a serious target.
United have struggled to score goals in the Premier League this season and five teams have scored fewer goals than ten of Hag’s men. Marcus Rashford failed to produce the goalscoring form he showed last season, while Rasmus Hojlund, Atalanta’s £72m summer signing, failed to find the back of the net. net in any of their first 11 league games.
While Openda is on United’s radar it’s unclear what budget Ten hag will be handed next summer with new investor Sir Jim Ratcliffe committed to changing the club’s recruitment policy. But if the Belgian star keeps scoring – the United boss will be pressing for a pursuit of the highly-prized attacker.
Amazon brings you ten matches from Boxing Day until December 28, adding big clashes like Manchester United vs. Boxing Day. Aston Villa, Everton vs. Aston Villa Manchester City, Arsenal vs. Manchester City West Ham and much more. You can watch any match of your national team by signing up for a 30-day free trial that you can cancel at any time.
Ten Hag has hinted that this may just be a quiet window due to Financial Fair Play limitations, but he is pushing the club hierarchy down to the team if possible. “It’s realistic from a financial point of view and with Financial Fair Play, I think the club has to overlook it,” he told United We Stand.
“But really, compared to the market, most of the time you don’t attract the most productive players in winter. The most productive players would probably not leave their clubs in the winter. It’s the players who are disappointed, injured. “The right solution or whatever.
Join our new WhatsApp network! Click this link to get your fix of Mirror Football content. We also provide members of our network with special offers, promotions and advertisements from us and our partners. If you don’t like our network, you can check it out at any time. If you are curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
Can United fight for the title? Receive our FREE Manchester United email newsletter