Man United told to sign “amazing” defender to compete with Raphael Varane

Former Manchester United defender Paul Parker has suggested that The Reds should sign Napoli defender Kim Min-Jae to compete with Raphael Varane.

Despite an underwhelming performance against Newcastle at the weekend, United have made significant strides under Erik ten Hag this season.

However, with ambitions of becoming a side capable of challenging for the Premier League title, new additions are needed at Old Trafford in the summer.

Signings up front, in midfield and between the sticks are primary concerns – but United could also prosper from another central defender in their ranks.

Whilst Lisandro Martinez and Raphaël Varane have built a strong partnership together, Harry Maguire looks likely to leave the club in the summer and there are question marks over Victor Lindelöf’s future.

The backup pairing also have question marks over their quality to start in a top-performing team. And with Varane about to enter his thirties, as well as having a questionable injury history, signing a young and promising centre-back at Old Trafford could be smart business.

Parker, who made 146 appearances for the Red Devils, has identified Kim Min-Jae as the player to challenge Varane for his place in the side.

The Napoli defender has been excellent for the Serie A leaders this season and could be on the move in the summer with a €50 million release clause rumoured to activate, with United being one of the clubs monitoring the South Korean.

“Kim Min-Jae has done excellent for Napoli this season and I would love to see him at Man United,” Parker told Kelbet. “Raphael Varane can be a bit fragile sometimes so it would be good with a new player who can compete with him.

“And then Kim Min-Jae has to earn his spot in the starting eleven. If he is willing to come here and fight for a spot that is not guaranteed, that would be amazing.”