Man Utd Consider Opening Talks For Defensive Bundesliga Prospect

Manchester United's opening-day defeat to Hull City was not the result fans or pundits predicted, and it has highlighted key areas of the pitch where the Red Devils must improve in order to be competitive for the rest of the campaign.

The Tigers capitalised on two set pieces in the first half and withstood United's pressure for the rest of the game to secure a shock victory in their first Premier League game since 2017.

Michael Carrick's side seemed toothless in attack and were outrun by the newly-promoted side for the majority of the match, especially in the middle of the park. New signings Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans couldn't cope with Hull's physicality and were dominated throughout the game.

Defensively, United were poor, conceding two easily preventable goals due to poor organisation on set pieces.

It has led fans to question whether another defensive option is needed before deadline day, and it seems the higher-ups at United may believe the same.

According to CaughtOffside, United scouts have given positive feedback on 20-year-old centre-back Finn Jeltsch, who plays for VfB Stuttgart in the Bundesliga.

The Red Devils are considering making official contact with the German side for Jeltsch, who is currently tied to a long-term contract at Die Roten until June 2030.

He has been described as one of Germany's best young defenders by his club and will certainly not be an easy transfer for any interested side.

Premier League giants Arsenal and Liverpool are also reportedly monitoring the defender, whilst Bayern Munich is reportedly the side most interested in the German talent.

However, Jeltsch has made it clear he intends to focus on his current side and said he is excited to play in the Champions League with Stuttgart during the upcoming campaign, where he will be at the heart of the squad.

Finn Jeltsch is exactly the sort of player who is suited to INEOS' transfer strategy, given his wealth of first-team experience at the young age of 20. His technical ability also suits what Michael Carrick is looking for in a defender, as he is able to receive the ball under pressure and build attacks from defence.

The question for the higher-ups at the club will be whether or not Jeltsch is needed or whether the Red Devils already have sufficient depth at the back.

Lisandro Martinez, Harry Maguire and Matthijs De Ligt represent the experienced centre-halves at Old Trafford, whilst Leny Yoro and Ayden Heaven are definitely competent but still developing in their young careers.

With both Martinez and De Ligt being susceptible to injuries, another defender would definitely not be a negative, but with Stuttgart likely to demand a high fee for Jeltsch, it is unlikely the German will be playing in Manchester in the near future, unless we see some departures before deadline day for United.