Amadou Haidara's stance on Man Utd transfer caused serious concern at Old Trafford

Manchester United were linked with a January move for RB Leizpig's Amadou Haidara but the midfielder remained in Germany with a club chief offering a damning statement

Amadou Haidara "didn't want" a January switch to Manchester United according to RB Leipzig chief Christopher Vivell.

The Mali star was touted as a possible target with interim boss Ralf Rangnick knowing him well from his time at the Bundesliga club.

United's options in the middle of the park have been criticised and last month was seen as the ideal time to bolster their ranks.

Haidara, who scored against the Red Devils back in a Champions League clash last season, was highlighted as a player they could pursue.

Logistical problems existed with the 24-year-old away at AFCON on international duty, but Leipzig's technical director claimed he didn't want to leave despite United's interest.

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"It’s especially the case with the boys who are at the Africa Cup," Vivell told Sky Germany.

"Amadou Haidara has been with us for a long time and he’s an important player. I don’t think he really wanted that, just to go somewhere else."

It means United will continue the campaign with the likes of Scott McTominay, Fred and Nemanja Matic at their disposal.

English pair Declan Rice and Jude Bellingham have both been touted as future options.

United invested heavily in new recruits back in the summer but their engine room is a point of difference between them and their rivals.

Haidara has previously spoken about his admiration for the Premier League giants, whom he supported as a child.

"Everyone had a favourite team as a kid. Mine was Manchester United," he told Bild.

"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."

His decision therefore to remain in German will come as a blow, especially given United's status when compared to Leipzig's.

A lack of silverware and, at times, Champions League football, hasn't stopped those on the red half of Manchester attracting players.

However their latest shun could serve as a warning - something former player Andy Cole pointed out previously.

He said: “If you’re playing and have the option of all these clubs, where would United really figure at this moment in time?

“Even though I love United, I don’t think the club now can ride on its name alone, especially when you’re trying to bring these players in.

“It’s not like when I signed for United. We have to be brutally honest, back then everybody wanted to go there."