Manchester United have reportedly made an approach to sign Borussia Monchengladbach midfielder Manu Kone.
According to a report from L’Equipe, Manchester United are among the clubs interested in securing the services of Manu Kone. The Borussia Monchengladbach midfield prospect is facing an uncertain future at the Bundesliga club following a disappointing campaign, with Atletico Madrid and Juventus being the others keen on acquiring his signature.
Manchester United have already initiated contact with Kone, exploring the possibility of a summer move to Old Trafford. The 21-year-old is open to a move away from Borussia Park in the summer, especially given Gladbach’s mediocrity over the past few years.
Formerly of the Paris FC youth academy, Kone joined the Bundesliga outfit in early 2021. He remained at Toulouse for the remainder of the 2020/21 campaign before joining the Gladbach camp last summer. In his maiden season in the Bundesliga, Kone made quite an impact, becoming an ever-present figure in the club’s midfield unit.
The 21-year-old has made an impression with his technical prowess and work ethic in the middle of the park. Alongside the likes of Christoph Kramer and Florian Neuhaus, he has helped Gladbach a develop a strong second line of press and had played a key role in downing Bayern Munich on more than one occasion.
But after Gladbach failed to qualify for European football at any level, Kone could consider moving elsewhere in the summer. It has put Manchester United on alert, with Ralf Rangnick known to be a huge admirer of the Frenchman.
The German tactician, who is set to take up the role of the Austrian national team head coach in the summer, is strongly lobbying for the acquisition of Manu Kone. He believes the 21-year-old has what it takes to help Manchester United rebuild the midfield unit under the leadership of Erik ten Hag.
With Paul Pogba reportedly agreeing a three-year contract with former club Juventus and Nemanja Matic leaving in the summer, Kone could indeed prove to be a vital piece of the puzzle for ten Hag. The youngster can potentially become the core of a future Manchester United setup, alongside Bruno Fernandes and a possibly new holding midfielder.
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Kone’s aggressive style of play, coupled with his technical prowess should help him offer the bridge between the midfield and the attack, ultimately improving Manchester United’s transition play. However, luring the Frenchman from Gladbach won’t be all too easy, as the Foals will be determined to keep hold of their midfielder this coming summer.
