Red Bull Leipzig manager Julian Nagelsmann has heaped praise on Manchester United after admitting he can’t wait to lead his team out at Old Trafford.
The 33-year-old has been linked with a move to the Theatre of Dreams after making a name for himself as one of the most forward-thinking, progressive managers in world football.
The German guided Leipzig to the Champions League semi-finals last term and he’s been compared to Jurgen Klopp for his philosophy and dedication to high press football.
It’s the first time Manchester United will come up against Leipzig in European competition and Nagelsmann admits he can’t wait to step out on the famous pitch at the Theatre of Dreams.
‘I’ve never played in Old Trafford or been there. It will be a great experience,’ Nagelsmann told the Daily Mail.
‘I watched a lot of games in the Theatre of Dreams and of Manchester United on television. Now to be part of the stadium will be perfect.
‘Bayern Munich v Manchester United, for example, the final when Ole Gunnar Solskjaer scored. Ryan Giggs did a lot of big games for Manchester United, Paul Scholes, Ruud Van Nistelrooy … a lot of players. I watched nearly every game of Manchester United 10 years ago, when I was a younger guy and a player.
‘I watched not only English football but also Serie A, Primera Divison. I wanted to become a professional so it was important to watch games and look at what the best players in Europe do.
‘Sir Alex Ferguson had a long and very successful time for Manchester United so it was also interesting to watch him, what he changed from one season to the next.
‘I know there will be no fans so that’s hard. When there will be fans it will be more of a bigger experience. But if we win the game in the Theatre of Dreams it will be perfect’.
