Manchester United Opinion: Why Solskjaer should sign Dayot Upamecano?

Back in February, a report from the Manchester Evening News claimed Manchester United were plotting a summer swoop for RB Leipzig defender Dayot Upamecano.

Dayot Upamecano, 20, was part of the tightest defence in the Bundesliga last season, keeping five clean sheets in his 15 league appearances, before missing the second half of the campaign with a knee injury.

Leipzig are desperate to keep hold of the 20-year-old, who is regarded as one of Europe’s best young defenders.

It is believed that Manchester United would need to break the current world-record fee paid for a defender in order to sign Upamecano, with the report adding that his current deal includes a €100m release clause.

That being said, should the Red Devils break the bank to sign the highly-rated Leipzig defender this summer?

Without thinking twice, they must! Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is desperately in need of defensive reinforcements ahead of the new season. He has so far added the likes of Daniel James from Swansea City and Aaron Wan-Bissaka from Crystal Palace, with the latter deemed as a long-term replacement for Antonio Valencia at the right-back position.

However, the United boss must now shift his focus towards strengthening his options in central defence.

Despite having the likes of Victor Lindelof, Chris Smalling, Phil Jones, Marcos Rojo and Eric Bailly, the Reds shipped over 50 goals in the Premier League this past season.

That just highlights how defensively naïve and unstable Solskjaer’s side are at the moment and if the Mancunian club are to improve and challenge for trophies next season, signing a quality centre-back is a must.

With the additions of James and Wan-Bissaka, Solskjaer has shown he wants to bring in young, exciting and hungrier talents to Old Trafford as a part of his squad rebuild.

The Norwegian manager signifies a return to the old-style management under Sir Alex Ferguson with a priority on developing players into better versions of themselves – as well as promoting youth from the academy.

In a bid to tighten up the team’s leaky defence, the time is ripe for the Red Devils to reignite their interest in Dayot Upamecano.

The young French defender has already made 75 first-team appearances for RB Leipzig during his career, with the player establishing himself as a first-team regular for the German outfit. He has shown a lot of promise in his performances and would be the right choice for the Reds.

Read More Manchester United news, click here: Manchester United latest news

A modern-day centre-half, the 20-year-old’s ball-playing abilities, reading of the game and tough-tackling nature have led to him being regarded as one of the best youngsters in the world.

He also has the pace to burn and go toe-to-toe with physically and aerially dominant forwards. Upamecano’s composure on the ball and other physical traits make him suited to the Premier League.

Verdict

It would be a huge gamble to blow a vast sum on Upamecano, but United picking up the 20-year-old and growing him into a star is their most likely route back to the top at this stage.