Dayot Upamecano is the perfect fit for Manchester United
He may not be currently linked with a move to Old Trafford…
But anyone who watched RB Leipzig knock-out Europe specialists Atletico Madrid on Thursday night will know how perfect he would be for Manchester United.
It is no secret that the Red Devils need a pacey centre-back who can compliment Maguire, as it has been evident this season that Lindelof and Maguire don’t work as a partnership.
Upamecano looks to be the missing piece for United | Credit: Bundesliga Collection via Getty Images
The frailties of United’s back four were once again on show in the Europa League semi-final defeat to Sevilla, as Lindelof was once again exposed in an important game.
If Maguire had a reliable and quick centre-back alongside him then his place in this United team would have more credibility.
That’s because when he isn’t getting exposed for his lack of pace, he is a very intelligent and gifted defender.
As for Upamecano, his senior career started in Austria for Liefering but it was only a year later when he moved to Red Bull owned RB Salzburg.
Then after just one season with Salzburg, the French centre half moved to RB Leipzig for £10 million.
This just highlights how quickly he rose to prominence and stood out amongst the crowd, moving his way up from the Austrian second division to the Bundesliga in two seasons.
In his time at Leipzig Upamecano’s reputation has grown, to the point now where he is one of the highest rated young centre-backs in world football.
It’s worth noting he is only 21 and has been a first team regular for the last three seasons for Leipzig.
His calmness in possession, his strength to shrug strikers off the ball and his pace are just a few attributes that make Upamecano so popular with manager Julian Nagelsmann.
It was his display against Atletico Madrid which helped his side to their first ever Champions League semi-final which put Upamecano’s name in the spotlight, as he put in an unforgettable performance with the eyes of Europe on him.
The stats from the game back this statement up.
He had a 100% tackle and dribble rate as well as the joint-most touches in the match.
Without his presence and outstanding pieces of defending, it could have been a very different affair.
He wasn’t up against an ordinary striker either, Diego Costa is a handful to deal with and is strong himself.
Yet on Thursday night he was non-existent as Upamecano had the upper hand every time.
Manchester United have been linked with centre-backs Gabriel and Koulilbaly this summer but neither of them make as much sense as Upamecano.
Gabriel is less proven and doesn’t have the potential to reach the same heights as Upamecano.
Whilst Koulibaly may be touted as being one of the best centre-backs in the world, he will be more expensive, and he is 8 years older.
Upamecano may not be quite at Koulibaly’s level yet but the sky is the limit for this young man, and he would be the answer to United’s defensive struggles.