Man United made summer move for Paris Saint-Germain star

Manchester United wanted to strengthen their backline this summer and Erik ten Hag wasted no time doing so – Tyrell Malacia, the left-back, and Lisandro Martinez, the centre-back, were two of his first signings in charge of the Reds.

Martinez has immediately become a fan-favourite at Old Trafford but a number of options were thrown around in the press across the summer, with journalist Fabrizio Romano revealing that United held an interest in Villarreal defender Pau Torres.

Now, it has been revealed that United made a move for another centre-back – Paris Saint-Germain and France star Presnel Kimpembe.

That’s according to French outlet Le10Sport, who say that Paris Saint-Germain were approached by three clubs over Kimpembe across the summer transfer window.

As per the report, Chelsea held an interest, with then-manager Thomas Tuchel keen on reuniting with Kimpembe at Stamford Bridge. Juventus were also keen and Manchester United made an enquiry.

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No side advanced their interest enough to formalise a transfer and Kimpembe ended up staying in the French capital. The 27-year-old has just two years remaining on his contract but there are now talks over an extension.

SN’s verdict…
Thus far, there’s little to suggest that United could have signed better players for what they needed this summer. Ten Hag assumed most of the responsibility in identifying targets and he generally opted to go for players he’s familiar with.

That is already paying dividends, with United improving each week and starting to look like an evolving side – as opposed to the last 12 months under Ralf Rangnick and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

Kimpembe would have fit the profile he was looking for, however. In Martinez, United signed a left-footed centre-back, which adds invaluable balance to a side. Kimpembe is also left-footed but you can’t fault Ten Hag for signing a player he know and who is, ultimately, better.

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