Defensive collapse, MU spends money to recruit super defender
MU is rushing to carry out a revolution under Amorim, and the fatal weakness in defense is the top priority that needs to be solved.
Having continuously witnessed "fatal" mistakes last season, recruiting Jules Kounde is seen as the perfect solution to this difficult problem.
According to leaked information, Man Utd are actively negotiating with Barcelona to bring the French midfielder to Old Trafford. The figure of 80 million euros (equivalent to 66 million pounds) has been put on the negotiating table by the "Red Devils", in the context of Kounde facing disciplinary problems at the Catalan "giant". Under coach Hansi Flick, the 26-year-old player has been "reminded" many times for his habit of being late, typically in the recent match against Rayo Vallecano. This incident is said to have made Kounde unhappy and ready to leave Camp Nou in this summer's transfer window.
Amorim aims to build a more solid and compact defensive system for Man Utd, and Kounde is the ideal piece to this plan. The former Sevilla star possesses impressive speed, excellent one-on-one ability, and the versatility to play well at both centre-back and right-back. These are important elements in Amorim's footballing philosophy, which requires defenders to be flexible and have good ball control.
Man Utd's "porous" defense this season has exposed too many weaknesses, from individual mistakes to the instability of the central defenders. Leny Yoro has just returned from injury, while Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof have never brought absolute peace of mind. Lisandro Martinez, although a classy central defender, is often sidelined for health reasons. The appearance of Kounde will bring a breath of fresh air, increasing the quality and depth of Man Utd's defense.
However, before spending big on Kounde, Man Utd need to consider a number of factors. Firstly, the player's "rebellious" past could have a negative impact on the unity in the dressing room. Secondly, Barcelona may not be willing to "let go" when they themselves are looking for options to strengthen their defense.
However, if Man Utd are really determined to "rebuild" the defense, they should put all their efforts into this deal. Kounde is a classy player, with a lot of experience in La Liga and the Champions League. More importantly, he can help coach Amorim build a solid defense, capable of bringing Man Utd back to the top.
