El-Chadaille Bitshiabu: Man United plot shock transfer for Leizpig defender | OneFootball

Manchester United are plotting a shock move for El-Chadaille Bitshiabu but face a red-hot transfer battle for the RB Leipzig defender, according to a new report.

A State of Chaos

The Red Devils are currently in a state of flux following the dismissal of Ruben Amorim on Monday morning.

The Portuguese coach was supposed to be the long-term solution to the instability which has plagued Old Trafford in the post-Sir Alex Ferguson era.

Instead, he became the latest victim in a cycle which shows no end in sigh – with a previous fatality, Ole Gunnar Solsjkaer, preparing to step in to take his place.

Under-18’s coach Darren Fletcher will take charge on a temporary basis until a caretaker is appointed, aided by Travis Binnion and Jonny Evans.

A permanent replacement for Amorim – another long-term solution – will then be sourced come the summer, when the pool of options will grow after the season and, perhaps more importantly, the World Cup end.

But a transitional period in the dug out does not mean United have lost focus in the transfer market – with Bitshiabu the latest player to be linked with a move to the Theatre of Dreams this month.

A Defensive Monster

The 20-year-old centre-back, possessing an imposing 6’5 frame while retaining excellent mobility, fits the profile of a modern defender.

He is capable of covering large spaces, and comfortable when forced wide to defend the channels, enabling Leipzig – who he joined from Paris Saint-Germain in 2023 – to play a high line.

He is also adept with the ball at his feet, ranking in the 86th percentile for attempted passes and 85th for progressive passes amongst centre-backs in Europe’s top five leagues.

French outlet L’Equipe (as relayed by GFFN) reveals United are “keeping tabs” on the Frenchman with interest in a loan deal, which would include an option to buy.

But the Mancunian club face competition from Bayer Leverkusen, as well as Ligue 1 rivals Monaco and Lyon, to convince the Leipzig stalwart to choose Old Trafford as the next stage of his fledging career.

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