‘Perfect game-changer’; Rangnick urged to bring ‘old school’ defender to Man Utd
Former Manchester United and England defender Paul Parker has urged Ralf Rangnick to sign Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger next year.
Rudiger, 28, is on the radar of many top clubs due to his contract situation at Stamford Bridge. The Germany centre back will be a free agent in the summer as the five-year deal signed in July 2017 expires. He has made 172 appearances for the Blues and become a commanding presence at the back.
The powerful defender has played every minute of 17 top-flight games in 2021-2022. And his stock seems to rise by the game, with a string of outstanding displays for Thomas Tuchel’s side.
The jury is still out on whether he will pen fresh terms with the European champions. A report earlier this week claimed talks are poised to intensify.
However, there have also been multiple claims that the former Stuttgart ace will leave for nothing in June. Tottenham have been linked but Parker would love to see him show ambition at Old Trafford.
“If he was to stay at Chelsea. He’s very influential and the fans idolise him,” told bettingexpert, per MEN. “To come to Manchester United, I would say that is ambitious. I would understand why he would want to and I think he would make a difference.”
Rudiger a natural leader
United’s defence has come in for heavy criticism this season after shipping five goals to Liverpool and four to Leicester City.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer paid the price and Rangnick has been charged with the task of turning things around. And Parker feels he could do worse than pairing Rudiger with the Red Devils summer acquisition.
“If you had him next to Varane, what a difference you’re talking about,” he added. “Good pace and you’re talking about someone who’s won a World Cup, Champions League and then you’ve got a centre-half, who in the old-school way of talking is actually a leader.
“He actually shouts and screams, bosses people about, dictates the people. When people aren’t doing it, he tells them because he doesn’t make that many mistakes himself. He keeps things simple. He’d be absolutely perfect.”
The former Roma star has many options open to him and Parker feels it is all down to his career aspirations.
“It all depends on him being ambitious,” he continued. “Does he want to go to Manchester United and be the difference-maker at the back?”
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