Manchester United scouting RB Leipzig’s Assan Ouédraogo - ideal 8-6 for the INEOS rebuild

Manchester United are actively scouting RB Leipzig midfielder Assan Ouédraogo, with club decision-makers viewing the Germany youth international as a near-perfect profile for their evolving midfield. At 18, he offers height, press resistance and ball-carrying that matches United’s plan to add a dynamic 8-6 who can progress play and win duels. United have tracked him since his Schalke breakthrough and consider the Leipzig step a natural bridge to Premier League intensity. The feeling inside the recruitment team is positive: if the numbers align and the pathway is clear, this is a deal they believe they can get over the line.

United’s recruitment department has been following Ouédraogo since his senior debut at Schalke, maintaining regular live checks through his move to RB Leipzig. In recent weeks, club scouts attended Leipzig fixtures and compiled detailed reports on his ball progression and defensive coverage. This aligns with the INEOS-led plan to target high-ceiling, press-resistant midfielders in the 18-22 age bracket. Leipzig value him highly and are not under pressure to sell, but United’s interest is described as serious, structured and long-term focused. Conversations with intermediaries have centered on role clarity, development pathway and potential valuation.

🚨 JUST IN: Manchester United are scouting RB Leipzig midfielder Assan Ouédraogo. [@Plettigoal]

@UtdXclusive

Impact Analysis

From a football perspective, this makes a lot of sense. Ouédraogo is that rare profile who can start as an 8 and drop into a 6 lane when phases demand control. He is comfortable receiving under pressure, rides the first challenge and releases quickly into the half-spaces. United have lacked a consistent ball carrier from deep who can also step into second balls and protect transitions. The 18-year-old’s frame and stride length help him cover ground without losing composure on the ball. In a Premier League midfield that increasingly rewards verticality and press-resistance, he ticks core boxes.

Tactically, pairing him with a controller like Kobbie Mainoo would unlock cleaner exits from the first line, allowing the right-sided 8 to attack the box earlier while the left-sided 8 knits play. Under INEOS, recruitment has been about building multi-phase midfielders rather than pure destroyers or pure creators. Ouédraogo’s development path at Leipzig - where rotations are intense and principles mirror top European pressing teams - accelerates the readiness United need. He will not fix everything on day one, but the upside is evident. With the correct minutes plan and a defined role, this is a signing that strengthens United’s spine and future-proofs the squad.

Reaction

Fan reaction online splits into two lanes. A big chunk are all-in on the profile: tall, technical, German-schooled, and fearless on the turn. They are already picturing a Mainoo - Ouédraogo axis and asking when he lands. Another group is pragmatic, asking for proof in numbers at Leipzig and wondering if United should prioritise an experienced 6 for the immediate term. I’ve seen plenty of questions about his current output and minutes, plus comparisons to past teenage signings who needed patience.

There is also the classic United noise around the edges. Some celebrate the club’s commercial muscle and valuation milestones as a sign that these deals are now realistic again. Others pivot to short-term topics - returns of key players, the next league fixture - and argue that January should target ready-made starters. A few push back at any talk of outgoings and urge the club to build around Mainoo with complementary talents, not sell. Overall tone: optimistic and curious. People want clarity on price, pathway and how soon he impacts the first team. The excitement is real, even if the timelines trigger debate.

Social reactions

what’s his stat at Leipzig

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🚨 BREAKING: Lisandro Martínez and Kobbie Mainoo are both set to RETURN to the Manchester United squad against Everton! #MUFC []

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Prediction

Short term, expect United to continue in-person scouting through the winter, update data benchmarks and open dialogue with Leipzig via intermediaries. January is not off the table, but Leipzig’s stance and the player’s development rhythm make a summer move likelier. That said, United have shown they will act early if a strategic target becomes available. A structured proposal with add-ons, performance triggers and a clear playing pathway will be key.

Medium term, competition will come from Bundesliga heavyweights who know his market intimately. United’s advantage is the promise of a defined role alongside Mainoo and a manager who will trust high-IQ, high-ceiling youngsters. Expect valuation to trend north of €30m given contract horizon and scarcity of his profile. If United can outline a credible minutes plan and sporting project - and keep the messaging consistent with the player’s camp - this can accelerate. The most realistic scenario: groundwork over the next two months, formal steps ahead of the summer window, with United positioned in the front queue if Leipzig open the door.

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Conclusion

This pursuit fits the new United playbook: identify elite potential before the price explodes, recruit for fit not just fame, and build a midfield that can play through pressure. Ouédraogo brings traits United have struggled to buy at peak age - progressive carrying, calm under pressure, and the athletic range to protect transitions. There will be noise about immediate needs and fixture-to-fixture urgency, but the smartest clubs solve today while buying tomorrow’s difference-makers. That is exactly what this is.

Leipzig will not roll over. Nor should they. But United are moving with intent, data in hand and a clear idea of where he fits. If they land him, it signals a bolder, cleaner recruitment era under INEOS - a statement that the club can still win the race for the best young midfielders in Europe. The optimism around Carrington is justified. Now it is about timing, price and delivering the right plan to the player and his camp.