Man Utd scouts 'not convinced' on Denis Zakaria leaving Ralf Rangnick frustrated

Scouts at Manchester United are reportedly "not convinced" Borussia Monchengladbach ace Denis Zakaria is the answer to their midfield woes.

The Red Devils are looking to improve that department with the jury still out on their current options Scott McTominay, Nemanja Matic and Fred.

United are thought to be interested in Zakaria, 25, who is out of contract at the end of season and could be available for a small transfer fee in January.

The Switzerland international has 38 senior caps and more than 200 club appearances to his name.

"It's not surprising that there is speculation about both of them and especially Denis, but it's no longer our topic," Gladbach sporting director Max Eberl told German outlet Kicker when asked about Zakaria and Matthias Ginter earlier this month.

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"They both still have a half year of contract. But we have also said again and again that if something comes up that we have to deal with for financial reasons.

"I cannot rule out that both will leave the club in winter - or one. There will be changes in the summer. We've worked with one squad for almost three years now."

It's believed Ralf Rangnick is keen to bolster his squad and, according to The Athletic, RB Leipzig star Amadou Haidara is the interim manager's preferred January choice.

The 23-year-old, who is currently competing in the Africa Cup of Nations with Mali, worked with Rangnick during his time in charge of Red Bull's football operations.

Rumours suggest United's scouts have concerns about Zakaria's "long-term suitability" and have questioned his form since he recovered from a serious knee injury in November 2020.

United's No1 target is thought to be Borussia Dortmund teenager Jude Bellingham, with West Ham star Declan Rice a close second. Neither player, however, will move in January.

The alleged scouting report on Zakaria is a further blow for Rangnick, who is reportedly frustrated by United's lack of movement in the transfer window.

The club invested heavily in the squad last summer - signing Jadon Sancho, Raphael Varane and Cristiano Ronaldo - but are yet to open the chequebook this month.

Rangnick, who will start a two-year consultancy gig at Old Trafford in the summer, has been tasked with salvaging a top-four finish this season.

That is easier said than done, though, with United currently languishing in seventh - five points off a Champions League spot.

"My focus is on the current players," insisted Rangnick when asked about arrivals in December. "We have enough players in the squad, there is no lack of players.

"Transfer in the winter only make sense if they help you and really help the quality. So far we haven't spoken about that. My focus has been on the current squad."

Wolves ace Ruben Neves is another midfielder thought to be on United's radar... and former Premier League striker Kevin Phillips has urged the giants to make a move.

"He's a quality player," Phillips told Football Insider. "He's one of those players that always wants to get on the ball. For me, I think he's an upgrade on McTominay and Fred.

"He's got better distribution, he's better on the ball - he's absolute quality. He can score goals as well... he will have no problems getting into that Man Utd midfield."