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#3 Renato Sanches (Lille)
It feels like Renato Sanches has already been around forever. Once linked with Manchester United, the former Golden Boy award winner played a crucial role in Portugal's Euro 2016 win.
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He was then written off as a flop after disappointing spells with Bayern Munich and Swansea City. Sanches is still just 24, and has rebuilt his reputation after helping Lille stun PSG and win the 2020-21 Ligue 1 title.
The all-action midfielder recently spoke candidly about his future, and believes he is ready to make another big move. He told L'Equipe:
“Maybe Milan and Arsenal are interested, but I don’t know. I know which clubs are calling and which are not, but I can’t tell now. I know I’m ready. If an offer comes in, I’ll find out what’s best for me. Many clubs were interested this summer, when I sustained the injury. It was all done with Barcelona, I think it all collapsed because of the injury."
Manchester United's midfield woes are well documented. Scott McTominay and Fred have come under intense criticism this season, while Paul Pogba and Jesse Lingard are already halfway out the door. Although Sanches' numbers don't pop off the charts (one goal and four assists in 29 appearances last season), his physical attributes are excellent.
Industrious and boasting a high motor, Sanches is Rangnick's kind of player, and would add some steel and solidity to a lightweight Manchester United midfield. However, The Red Devils will have to battle a host of Europe's top clubs for Sanches' signature, with Liverpool reportedly the latest team to join the race.
#2 Denis Zakaria (Borussia Monchengladbach)
Borussia Monchengladbach are running the risk of losing their star Swiss midfielder Denis Zakaria for free at the end of the ongoing season. The 25-year-old is out of contract at the end of the 2021-22 campaign, and is ready for a bigger challenge.
His contract situation means Zakaria is reportedly available for a cut-price fee in January, and could become Ralf Rangnick's first signing at Manchester United. Max Eberl, Monchengladbach's Director of Sport, recently told Sport Bild:
"If he (Zakaria), or any other player, tell us that they want to leave, then we will sort it out. It would be crazy to fight someone if they want to go."
Tall, powerful and strong in the tackle, Denis Zakaria would be a quick fix to Manchester United's long-standing hole in defensive midfield. The Red Devils have been desperately craving a player who can sit in front of the back four and shield the centre-backs. Zakaria is entering his prime, wants to make a move, and is available immediately at a good price, making this transfer a no-brainer.
The Swiss international has spent the last few years in the Bundesliga, and the German connection will undoubtedly be appealing to Rangnick. Despite a stacked CV, the coach has spent most of his 30-year career with German teams.
#1 Ruben Neves (Wolverhampton Wanderers)
It wouldn't be a surprise to see Manchester United bring in multiple midfielders over the next two transfer windows. Apart from the aforementioned Pogba and Lingard, 33-year-olds Matic and Mata are also approaching the end of their stints at Old Trafford. The Red Devils are extremely thin in the middle of the park, and need reinforcements quickly.
Fortunately, Ruben Neves is another viable midfield target for Ralf Rangnick and co. Neves was reportedly close to joining The Red Devils earlier this year, but Manchester United refused to pay Wolves' £40 million asking price. The 24-year-old enjoyed an excellent 2020-21 season, finishing with 65 interceptions (third-most) and 86 tackles (sixth-most) in the Premier League.
More importantly, Ralf Rangnick's brand of proactive, attacking football focuses on moving the ball up the pitch, and frowns on unnecessary backward passes.
"I am not a big fan of square and back passes. I do not like backpasses to the goalkeeper, and neither do I like square passes," explained Ralf Rangnick.
Unlike Zakaria, Ruben Neves is an elite passer, especially of long balls that Manchester United could use to bring Marcus Rashford and Mason Greenwood into play.
At 24, Ruben Neves has his best years ahead of him. He could form a potent partnership with the other Portuguese superstars at Old Trafford, Bruno Fernandes and Cristiano Ronaldo.
