Manchester United won their first major trophy in six years over the weekend, defeating Newcastle United in the EFL Cup final at Wembley, and Erik ten Hag appears to be the manager the Old Trafford club has desired since Sir Alex Ferguson retired in 2013.
The Dutchman, like Fergie, isn’t focused on the past, preferring to look ahead and strengthen his squad for tougher tests ahead.
What is the latest on Kim Min-move jae’s to Manchester United?
According to Corriere dello Sport (via GOAL), the Red Devils have been linked with a move for Napoli defender Kim Min-jae. Ten Hag appears to have identified a player who could improve his backline.
The defender has a £42 million release clause that will be activated for 15 days during the summer transfer window, and this could be an ideal opportunity for United to strike, given his performances this season.
Would Kim Min-jae help Manchester United?
Despite recent success, the Dutchman is still rebuilding the United squad, and with the likes of Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof not seeing as much game time as they did last season, another centre-back will undoubtedly be required once the transfer window opens.
The South Korean “rock” – as described by Matteo Bonetti – has been exactly that for Napoli this term as they eye their first League title in over 30 years. The defender has a Sofascore average of 7.3/10.
He has ten clean sheets in 23 games, won 63% of his total duels, and averages 1.7 tackles and four clearances per game, demonstrating how important he is to the club.
He could form an excellent defensive partnership with United defender Lisandro Martinez, who has settled into life at the club with ease, and the duo would be an excellent defensive pairing.
Martinez is also ranked as the fourth-best player for his club in the league this season, having won 61% of his total duels, made 3.6 clearances, and 2.4 tackles, making him one of Ten Hag’s most important signings.
This season, the duo has posted comparable numbers in terms of pass completion rate (90% to 87%) and tackles.
