New Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag appears to have had a major setback over one of Europe’s brightest talents.

What’s the word?

Man Utd have been linked with RB Leipzig star Christopher Nkunku recently, however, it appears that he won't be leaving the German side this summer.

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Liverpool were also linked with the versatile attacker, but Leipzig claimed that even a bid of £85m wouldn’t be enough to prise their finest talent away from the club.

The news was relayed by Fabrizio Romano who put across comments from the club's director, Oliver Mintzlaff. The Tweet read:

"RB Leipzig director Oliver Mintzlaff on Christopher Nkunku’s future: “We have clearly discussed it internally: we won't let Nkunku leave this summer, we told him and his agent”. RB Leipzig will also try to extend his contract but talks are still at early stages."

Ten Hag faces first blow over Nkunku

The incoming manager faces a big rebuilding job at Old Trafford in the summer, with a rejig of the squad absolutely certain, ten Hag will be determined to stamp his authority on the team as soon as possible.

With the side's frustrations in the final third, Nkunku would have been an ideal signing and thus, missing out on him will be a first major blow to the Dutchman, one that will understandably leave supporters gutted and perhaps even upset.

The 24-year-old has netted a remarkable 34 goals in 50 matches this season, adding in a further 20 assists, and it's clear to see why he is one of the most sought-after properties on the continent.

All of this is from mainly an attacking midfield role too, with former Leipzig manager Jesse Marsch dubbing him as a “player with no weaknesses.”

With Bruno Fernandes and Cristiano Ronaldo, the only two United players to have scored double figures this season, adding another attacker is the utmost priority for ten Hag.

It is surely only a matter of when instead of if regarding Nkunku joining an elite side, despite his club stating he isn’t for sale.

If the Red Devils come in with a seismic offer, then it might just be tempting enough for the German club to consider it.

With his current stats being exemplary, then there is no doubt he could be the right man to lead the club into a new era. It's a shame, therefore, that this move looks unlikely.

AND in other news, Forget McTominay: MUFC must brutally axe “pathetic” dud who 0 duels duels v Brighton