Rangnick's transfer plan prompts dramatic attempt to reverse contract clause

Manchester United manager Ralf Rangnick's reported interest in Amadou Haidara has filtered back to RB Leipzig - and it seems club chief Oliver Mintzlaff is a little worried.

Rangnick knows Haidara well as he was the man who signed him for Leipzig as a replacement for Naby Keita, who officially left the Bundesliga outfit for Liverpool in 2018.

And it seems the German wants to continue working with the Malian midfielder now that he is at Manchester United.

Haidara has a release clause in his contract, which Mintzlaff was recently asked about in regards to the Red Devils' interest in the 23-year-old.

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"Of course," Mintzlaff confirmed, per Sport Witness. "He is also a player that Ralf Rangnick loves."

On whether Leipzig are in imminent danger of losing Haidara, Mintzlaff played down the speculation slightly, adding: "There is nothing burning now for the time being."

But he was quick to explain that Leipzig are looking to "bring about a different situation" when it comes to Haidara's "exit scenario", suggesting they don't like the clause and would like it altered.

Rangnick has taken charge of only two matches so far as Man United boss and is yet to comment on his plans for January.

The German was victorious in his opening match, with his Red Devils beating Crystal Palace 1-0 in the Premier League.

He made 11 changes to take on Young Boys in the Champions League - a dead rubber as United had already qualified - and was disappointed to see his side draw 1-1.

"We shouldn't be too strict," said Rangnick, reflecting on the match. "I was fully aware with this formation and line-up, the players haven't played together like this.

"I think the first half-hour was okay, we scored a beautiful goal, we had another two great opportunities. Juan Mata should have scored actually and the same with Amad [Diallo].

"At that time, we should have been 2-0, if not 3-0 up and then we made the mistake to get less proactive. We were too deep, we sent several pressing invitations including the goal we conceded.

"In the second half, it could have been in the end 4-4, we had another great opportunity by Anthony Elanga, who was one-on-one with the goalkeeper, but they also had quite a few opportunities.

"It was a bit erratic in the second half, but I still believe it was the right decision to give some of those young players the opportunity to play. Tom Heaton made his debut for Manchester United. Also, for quite a few of the experienced players, it was important to get game-time."