Manchester United-linked Amadou Haidara reveals admiration for Red Devils

RB Leipzig midfielder Amadou Haidara has revealed that he supported Manchester United as a child amid speculation that the Red Devils are keen to sign him in January.

The 23-year-old is believed to be a leading target for Man United interim manager Ralf Rangnick, who signed the Mali international for Leipzig from Red Bull Salzburg in 2018.

Haidara, who is thought to have a £33m release clause in his contract, has revealed his admiration for the 20-time English champions and also praised Rangnick but has said that he 'feels good' at Leipzig.

"Everyone had a favourite team as a kid. Mine was Manchester United," Haidara told Bild. "I was a big fan of Cristiano Ronaldo, I liked Paul Scholes, Patrice Evra, Edwin van der Sar, Anderson.

"But if you want to talk to me about rumours: I'm at Leipzig and I feel good. Yes, Ralf plays a very big role in my career. Don't forget, when Leipzig wanted to get me, I tore my cruciate ligament.

"But Ralf said that I should come anyway. I wouldn't have expected that back then. I'm very grateful to him because he really wanted me and gave me great confidence as a coach in Leipzig. He later told me to stay with RB and trust that Julian Nagelsmann would make me better."

Haidara has again been a key player for his Bundesliga side during the 2021-22 campaign, making 17 appearances in all competitions, contributing three goals in the process.