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Manchester United are considering a move for RB Leipzig fullback David Raum as the club continues its hunt for a new left wing-back for Ruben Amorim’s 3-4-3 system.
Both of United’s left-backs, Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia, have endured long-standing injury issues in recent years at Old Trafford. Only in the last few weeks have either player made their first appearance of the season with Diogo Dalot and Noussair Mazraoui – both right-sided players – having to fill in in this position during their absence.
Furthermore, neither Shaw nor Malacia are an ideal fit in Amorim’s more aggressive and proactive 3-4-3 system, which sees the 39-year-old coach demand high levels of intensity and attacking output from his wingbacks,
The 25-year-old Malacia lacks the technical skills to be a difference maker in the final third and his protracted absence with a recurring knee injury leads to some concerns about a loss of pace, as demonstrated during Bodo/Glimt’s opening goal last week.
By contrast, Shaw, 29, would be a perfect candidate given his potent pairing of technique and physicality. He’s also played a number of games in this system for the England national team with great effect.
However, Shaw’s inability to remain fit due to a variety of muscular injuries means the physical toll of Amorim’s LWB role would lead to a return to the injury table sooner rather than late. The Englishman is likely to play more often as the left-sided centre-back in a 3-4-3, as this will create less tax on his body.
As such, a new recruit for the LWB role has emerged as a priority at Old Trafford with Bayern Munich fullback Alphonso Davies linked as an ambitious summer target.
However, Florian Plettenberg (Sky Sports) reveals another Bundesliga star is on the club’s “radar” with German international Raum “on the shortlist for the vacant left-back position.”
Tweet: “David #Raum is another player Manchester United have on their radar and on the shortlist for the vacant left-back position. Already last summer, there were concrete discussions, including about figures, between #MUFC and Raum.
As a left wing-back, the 26 y/o is considered to be a very good fit for Ruben Amorim’s new system. His development is being closely monitored. His agency, ROOF, has excellent connections to the Premier League. Contract with RB Leipzig valid until 2027. Currently injured (ankle).”
The Sky Sports reporter contends the Red Devils considered a move for Raum last summer with “concrete discussions, including about figures” taking place with the 26-year-old’s representatives.
Old Trafford officials reportedly consider the Leipzig defender a “very good fit for Ruben Amorim’s new system” with Raum demonstrating high levels of intensity off the ball and technical ability on it.
Last season, the 26-year-old produced 2 goals and 8 assists in 31 Bundesliga games, demonstrating his productivity in the final third. Davies, by comparison, returned 2 goals and 7 assists.
Raum’s contract in Leipzig is until 2027 meaning next summer would be the final opportunity for the German club to sell the wingback at a premium price; and it appears United will be at the front of the queue if they choose to do so.
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