Amadou Haidara has responded to speculation linking him with a move to Manchester United by admitting that he used to support the Premier League club as a child.
United's interim boss Ralf Rangnick wants to bring the 23-year-old to Old Trafford in January after signing him during his time at RB Leipzig.
ESPN reported last week that Rangnick earmarked Haidara, along with Borussia Dortmund star Jude Bellingham and Leeds' Kalvin Phillips, as potential signings in the upcoming transfer window.
United have shown interest in the Mali international who has now broken his silence on the matter, revealing that he is a lifelong fan of the club.
Haidara even went on to reveal who his idols were and, should Rangnick get his wish in signing the midfielder, he could end up playing alongside him very soon.
‘Everyone had a favourite team as a kid. Mine was Manchester United,’ Haidara told Bild, as quoted by the Metro.
‘I was a big fan of Cristiano Ronaldo, I liked Paul Scholes, Patrice Evra, Edwin van der Sar, Anderson.
‘But if you want to talk to me about rumours: I’m at Leipzig and I feel good.’
Haidara also explained that he is 'very grateful' to Rangnick for his career thus far and bringing him to Leipzig when he was still injured.
‘Yes, Ralf plays a very big role in my career,’ Haidara added. ‘Don’t forget, when Leipzig wanted to get me, I tore my cruciate ligament.
‘But Ralf said that I should come anyway. I wouldn’t have expected that back then. I’m very grateful to him because he really wanted me and gave me great confidence as a coach in Leipzig.
‘He later told me to stay with RB and trust that Julian Nagelsmann would make me better.’
jezabdnpyz
20
Amadou Haidara Will Be The First Signing Under Ralf Rangnick. January Winter Market Will Be A Busy One For United.
Sanctinolez
11
That's good news. It's a more appropriate signing. Not the overpriced English flops