Manchester United could frustrate Bayern Munich again after links to ‘outstanding’ defender

Manchester United beat Real Madrid to the £52m signing of 18-year-old centre-back Leny Yoro, although the French teenager is still yet to make his debut after suffering a metatarsal fracture in pre-season.

After having several bids rejected for Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite, United also signed Matthijs de Ligt and he arrived in a double deal alongside Noussair Mazraoui.

Bayern Munich fans reacted furiously to the double deal, suggesting it was “unforgivable” that their club allowed De Ligt and Mazraoui to leave for just £50m.

Fresh reports have linked United to a new defensive target, and it would rub salt into Bayern’s wounds if they can get it over the line.

READ MORE: German press attack Matthijs de Ligt for his comments about Manchester United and Bundesliga

Man United linked to Jonathan Tah

Ineos plan to make three major signings in 2025, with a move for Branthwaite still in play if Everton lower their asking price.

Even if Branthwaite is not attainable, a new centre-back will be signed with Victor Lindelof and Jonny Evans expected to leave at the end of the season.

According to German outlet Bild, Manchester United are among a host of Premier League clubs interested in signing Bayer Leverkusen defender Jonathan Tah.

They report that Leverkusen will continue trying to tie Tah down to a new contract, but that his “biggest wish” is to move to the Premier League.

Bayern Munich had been heavily linked with Tah over the summer with many viewing the 28-year-old as the replacement for De Ligt. However, the Bundesliga giants failed to get a deal over the line.

Tah, who is described as an “outstanding” defender on the Bundesliga website, has entered the final year of his deal meaning he is available to sign a pre-contract with a new club as early as January.

So this means United could steal Bayern’s first-choice defensive target from beneath their nose, after De Ligt threw shade at the German club.

Man United are quickly solving defensive crisis

Last season was nothing short of a disaster defensively. Injuries to Raphael Varane, Lisandro Martinez, Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof left United shocking short of options at the back.

It was the top priority this summer and three new defensive arrivals have put Erik ten Hag’s squad in much better shape for the 2024/25 season.

Even with Yoro out injured, United have an abundance of options across every postion other than left-back.

Mazraoui has made a brilliant start to his United career and De Ligt has been impressive when given his chance on the pitch.

Another centre-back signing in 2025 would firmly put United’s defensive woes behind them, and Tah would certainly be an exciting arrival.

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