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Manchester United’s defensive frailties nearly crashed them out of the FA Cup over the weekend.
Erik ten Hag’s side managed to put three goals past Coventry City in less than an hour, injecting plenty of confidence into their supporters at Wembley.
However, the old habits that have ensured a negative goal difference in the Premier League this season so far, resurfaced and the Red Devils conceded three goals in less than twenty minutes in an absolute capitulation.
Since the penalty shootout win, Erik ten Hag has highlighted multiple times how happy he is with the result. However, the club’s hierarchy must have noticed the glaring defensive issues in his side and should do everything in their power to address the same this summer.
Interestingly, a report from France suggests they plan to do exactly that and have already laid some of the groundwork.
According to Foot Mercato journalist Sébastien Denis, United have been monitoring RB Leipzig centre-back Castello Lukeba for weeks.
The French defender, who moved to Germany from Lyon only last summer, has seamlessly replaced Josko Gvardiol in the RB Leipzig fold.
Lukeba has made 28 appearances in the Bundesliga this season and has caught eyes with his composure in possession and impressive physicality.
United appear to be one of the many clubs interested in the 21-year-old defender. It is not going to be easy for his suitors to sign him this summer, however.
Denis reveals Lukeba has a release clause of €70m which is only valid from 2025, and Leipzig have no desire to sell him in the upcoming transfer window.
Furthermore, Lukeba is not the only Leipzig star on United’s radar. The Premier League giants have also been linked with Benjamin Šeško amid Rasmus Hojlund’s struggles in front of goal and lack of striker options at Ten Hag’s disposal.
The Slovenian striker has been followed by United since his RB Salzburg days and it is understood he has a €50 million release clause in his contract, though Leipzig may be able to be convinced to sell at a lower price this summer.
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