'Man Utd were my favourite team' - Haidara rules out Man Utd move in January

Stefan Bienkowski

• 20 Dec 2021 08:50 GMT
• 5 min read

RB Leipzig midfielder Amadou Haidara has downplayed rumours of an imminent move to Manchester United.

The Mali international has developed into one of the Bundesliga’s most complete central midfielders, since making the move from Red Bull Salzburg in 2019.

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Haidara was initially signed by new Man Utd manager Ralf Rangnick when he was calling the shots at RB Leipzig and later pushed into the first team under the German tactician.

As such, the midfielder has been one of the most heavily-touted transfer targets for Rangnick and his new club.

Add to that previous remarks by the midfielder suggesting that Man Utd was his dream club as a child and it seemed as though a move to England was all but inevitable for Haidara.

However, in an interview with Sport-Bild, the Mali international has distanced himself from a move to Old Trafford, despite his appreciation for everything Rangnick has done for him.

'I was a big fan of ronaldo, Scholes, Evra...'

“Everyone had a favourite team as a child. Mine was United,” said Haidara when asked about his previous comments about supporting the club.

“I was a big fan of Cristiano Ronaldo, liked Paul Scholes, Patrice Evra, Edwin van der Sar, Anderson.

“But if they want to talk to me about rumours now: I'm in Leipzig and I feel comfortable.”

Despite playing down rumours of a move to England, Haidara still took time to underline his appreciation for Rangnick.

“Yes, Ralf played a very big role in my career. You mustn't forget: When Leipzig wanted to get me, I tore my cruciate ligament,” said the midfielder.

“But Ralf said that I should come anyway. I didn't expect that at the time. I'm very grateful to him because he wanted me at all costs and gave me great confidence as a coach in Leipzig.

“Later, too, he told me to stay at RB and to trust Julian Nagelsmann to make me better."