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Man United exploiting Serie A giants’ decision to sign world-class star would make them unbreachable

Why Manchester United must sign Kalidou Koulibaly after Napoli’s decision

According to Gazzetta (h/t The Sun), Napoli are willing to sell Kalidou Koulibaly as the club are looking for an overhaul, and this could come as good news for Manchester United.

The report claims that the Naples outfit are in crisis, especially off the field, and president Aurelio De Laurentiis is ready to make a wholesome change in the squad. Players including Dries Mertens and Lorenzo Insigne, along with manager Carlo Ancelloti are under consideration to be pushed away from the team.

Koulibaly, 28, is currently in his sixth season at Napoli and has made 229 appearances for the club. He has established himself as one of the best centre-backs in Europe with his commanding displays and is yet to mark his name with the greats of the game.

Kalidou Koulibaly (Getty Images)
Kalidou Koulibaly (Getty Images)

Meanwhile, Manchester United were heavily linked with the centre-back last summer and were expected to pay around £90m for the Senegalese international. Later, they went on to sign Harry Maguire.

The Red Devils have lacked intensity at the back despite Maguire’s presence. The Englishman looks to be far from his best. Victor Lindelof has also been inconsistent with his performances. The defensive duo has accounted for just 2 clean sheets this term.

Marcos Rojo has been out of the team for the most part of the season due to injury. While Phil Jones has featured for only 45 minutes so far in the league, Axel Tuanzebe’s return from loan spell has not helped him with game time.

Manchester United (Getty Images)
Manchester United (Getty Images)

With regard to this, Koulibaly would be an upgraded inclusion in United’s squad. Koulibaly is regarded as one of the best in the business and helped Napoli to a second-place finish last season. His performances also got him the armband for his club on a few occasions.

According to Whoscored, Koulibaly has registered 2.4 tackles, 1.6 interceptions and 5.6 clearances per game in Serie A this term. He has also enjoyed a pass accuracy of 81.6%, which is better than what he achieved last season.

At 6ft 1in, the Senegalese international has been good in the air and tracks his opponents well. He is known for his physicality on the pitch and is aggressive in his challenges. He has all the qualities of a modern-day defender.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iFLjwhJ1ldU&feature=youtu.be

At Manchester United, Koulibaly would surely fit into Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s first-team. Playing in the Premier League would get him more recognition.

Verdict

With Koulibaly on the fringes at Napoli, United must move ahead of his admirers. His presence would surely make a difference for United, who would want to perform better in defensive situations.

Therefore, United have to take advantage of Kalidou Koulibaly’s present situation and tie down his future at Old Trafford.