Why Manchester United must pursue Jules Kounde in the summer

According to The Sun, Manchester United have identified Jules Kounde as their priority summer target. The Sevilla defender has impressed during his time at the club and has become one of the most coveted youngsters in Europe. The likes of Real Madrid, Bayern Munich and Juventus are also in the race to sign Kounde.

Manchester United still need an able partner for Maguire

Manchester United are having one of their best seasons in the post-Ferguson era as they aim for a rather shock title challenge. However, familiar issues have surfaced this season with their defence, looking nowhere close to the elite levels they need to be.

The addition of Harry Maguire helped the club to quell some of the defensive issues in the side over the last 18 months. But the fact remains that none of his defensive partners have been up to the mark.

Lindelof partnered him through most of last season but there are some serious deficiencies in his defending. Eric Bailly returned this season but he remains an injury-prone option. With the club looking to sign young players with potential in recent seasons, they are rightly looking at someone like Jules Kounde.

Kounde can be the ideal foil to Maguire

United have often conceded goals, only for their attack to bail them out. One can’t help but feel their Champions League exit was down to some bad defending in their three losses.

They just needed to keep one clean sheet from their last two games but managed none. It is clear that if they are to make something of this improvement, they will need to bring in a central defender.

Jules Kounde looks like a player who can solve those issues for United. He is young, agile and a strong defender. His age suits the club’s criteria of signings and would be a long-term solution for their problems if he gets going. An instrumental part of Sevilla’s Europa League triumph last season, he has the winning mentality that United could use.

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Kounde could be a very useful addition for the Red Devils as they attempt to sort out their defence. His mobility would complement Maguire’s style of play well. Prising the £60million-rated defender will not be easy nor cheap, but Kounde could be a long-term solution for their defensive issues.