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Manchester United have unexpectedly renewed their interest in Bayern Munich defender Kim Min-jae, with Michael Carrick keen to strengthen his defensive options. The Red Devils are said to be keeping a close watch on the South Korean international’s situation after a difficult spell for him in Bavaria.

United are understood to have added Kim to their transfer shortlist as they aim to wrap up their summer dealings with a defensive signing. Even though it has been a relatively quiet transfer window, with Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos joining at Old Trafford, the club hierarchy still recognises that more work is needed on the squad if they are to challenge at the very top level.

The need for a new centre-back is being driven by the continuing injury concerns around Lisandro Martinez and Leny Yoro. With Harry Maguire set to turn 34 during the current season, Carrick is reportedly looking to bring in a long-term partner for his younger defenders. Kim, who moved to Bayern from Napoli for €50m in 2023, is seen as the right fit to add authority and speed to a backline that was recently pulled apart by Ruben Amorim's AC Milan side in Poland.

According to Bayern Insider's Christian Falk, the Red Devils are following the 29-year-old’s position in Bavaria very closely. Falk explained that, while the interest is genuine, the player is currently concentrating on winning back his place in Vincent Kompany's starting XI. The defender lost his guaranteed starting role during the second half of last season, but he is still regarded as a valuable asset by the Bundesliga club as they pursue Champions League success.

Falk said: "There is some truth to reports around Manchester United’s interest in Kim Min-jae. As I’ve mentioned with Bayern Insider previously, the South Korean international is on the list at United. They’re always looking at his situation at Bayern Munich. That said, Kim Min-jae is very clear at the moment that he wants to stay at Bayern and he’s fine with his current role at the club."

The report further states that Bayern are unwilling to approve Kim’s exit, particularly as Kompany has made winning the Champions League a clear objective this season. The club understands that competing across multiple fronts in a demanding campaign requires strong depth in the squad. Letting Kim leave would leave the Bavarian side worryingly short in central defence, meaning they would have to depend only on Jonathan Tah and Dayot Upamecano as their senior centre-backs for the full season.

As the transfer speculation goes on, Carrick also has to deal with immediate matters as United get ready for their Premier League opener against Hull City. Maguire and Yoro are expected to start that match, especially after Martinez suffered another injury during Argentina’s World Cup final defeat to Spain.

United are also reported to have agreed personal terms with Kim in 2023 before he opted to join the German champions, and Carrick will hope that a second attempt ends more successfully.