Manchester United have a host of issues to address this summer and their inability to defend is certainly one of them. Raphael Varane’s arrival last season was supposed to fix that but the Frenchman’s shocking availability has seriously hampered United.
Harry Maguire also went into the season high on confidence, having helped England to the EURO 2020 final and secured a place in the Team of the Tournament.
Sevilla defender Jules Kounde was linked with a move to United last summer but the club went with the more experienced Frenchman from La Liga.
Kounde ended up staying at the Spanish club for another season but now, it seems like United could have reignited their interest amid the blatant need for additional defensive reinforcements.
That’s according to Marca, via Sport Witness, who claim that United are ‘eyeing’ a move for Kounde this summer. Furthermore, it’s stated that Kounde is likely to leave the club and wants to move, with the young star ready to pack his bags.
Kounde is said to have matured in his extra year at Sevilla and his chances of securing a big-money move are now described as ‘wide open’ by the outlet.
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SN’s verdict…
Erik ten Hag is set to take over from Ralf Rangnick this summer and one of his biggest tasks will be to overhaul the squad on a limited budget. United won’t spend astronomical figures unless they generate money from sales and based on recent years, that is highly unlikely.
Up to six players are leaving on free transfers and another six, with bleak futures at the club, are worth a fraction of what the club paid for them.
Kounde remains one of the most sought-after defenders in Europe and it would be a real coup for United to sign him if they can manage to convince him to make that move despite the lack of Champions League football.
Premier League rivals Chelsea could lose up to four central defenders this season and will be in the market for one – the Blues would most likely pose as United’s biggest threat for Kounde’s signature.
