Rangnick reveals the six transfers (including Haaland and Nkunku) discussed with Man Utd board | OneFootball

Ralf Rangnick has revealed that Erling Haaland was among six transfer target “talked about” in his time as interim Manchester United manager.

Rangnick was at the Old Trafford helm following the sacking of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in November of last year and oversaw the club’s worst ever Premier League season.

The German coach was infamously bold in his criticism of United in his time at the club, insisting that almost wholesale changes were required both on and off the pitch for them to return to the glory days.

And Rangnick told Bild that he discussed moves for six top players with the United board, who didn’t want to spend before they had a permanent manager in charge.

“There was no such [transfer] dossier, and it was never wanted by the club,” Rangnick said. “But even without such a script, it was clear to everyone that there was a need in many areas.”

“That’s why we were already discussing players like Josko Gvardiol and Christopher Nkunku from RB Leipzig. Those were names that were realistic.

“We also talked about Alvaro Morata, Luis Diaz, Dusan Vlahovic and, as I said, Erling Haaland when they were still on the market.

“But the club decided at that time to rebuild the team under the new coach.”

Gvardiol and Nkunku have both been heavily linked with a move to Chelsea, with the Blues close to an agreement for the latter.

Vlahovic, Diaz and Haaland have joined Juventus, Liverpool and Manchester City respectively, while United were thought to be keen on Morata in the summer but the former Chelsea striker opted to stay at Atletico Madrid.

But the Red Devils handed new boss Erik ten Hag significant funds to strengthen in the summer, with the club splashing over £200m on Antony, Casemiro, Lisandro Martinez and Tyrell Malacia.

United are expected to add to their squad once again in January, but the board have moved to curb the expectations of the fans after they overspent their summer budget to give Ten Hag the best chance of immediate success.