Man Utd are about to scout ‘stratospheric’ 25-yo who would be one of the best defensive coups in years | OneFootball

Manchester United are reportedly keeping close tabs on Juventus defender Pierre Kalulu, who should be able to solve some of their problems at the back.

The 25-year-old is a youth product of Olympique Lyonnais, who has been playing his football in Serie A since being poached by AC Milan in 2020.

The Frenchman joined the Rossoneri as a relative unknown, but went on to become a protagonist for the team that clinched the Scudetto title in 2021/22 under Stefano Pioli.

Man Utd send scouts to watch Pierre Kalulu against Inter Milan

The versatile defender then endured a couple of challenging campaigns hampered by injuries, but he revived his career after joining Juventus in the summer of 2024. Kalulu was hailed for his ‘stratospheric’ performances last season, but he managed to take his game to a whole new level this term.

While he’s originally a centre-back, Kalulu adapted to the right-back role this campaign, and he’s been absolutely crucial for Juventus at both ends of the field.

Pierre Kalulu (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)

In addition to his vital defensive contributions, he has been showing massive improvement in his attacking prowess, producing two goals and five assists across all competitions.

Therefore, Tuttosport reveals that Man Utd will send two scouts to watch the player in action in Saturday’s Derby d’Italia between Inter Milan and Juventus.

This fixture is considered the most important in the Bianconeri’s campaign, so it will be interesting to see how the French international will fare against the runaway league leaders.

Interestingly, this isn’t the first Italian report that links United with Kalulu, so it appears that the Lyon native is indeed on the Red Devils’ watchlist.

Why Kalulu would be the perfect signing for Man Utd

With the Frenchman now looking increasingly comfortable in his new role at right-back, he would be exactly what Man Utd need at this stage: A defensively apt full-back capable of warding off opposite left wingers, supporting the central halves, and also providing occasional attacking contributions.

In recent years, Diogo Dalot has cemented himself as the ultimate first-choice on the right side, perhaps due to the lack of competition. The Portuguese has been making important strides in recent months, but many would argue that United need a more solid player at right-back.

For his part, Noussair Mazraoui has been hampered by injuries, which halted his early momentum at the club.

On the other hand, Kalulu hasn’t missed a minute of competitive football this season, featuring in Juve’s 34 matches across all competitions from the kickoff until the final whistle, and he has yet to show any signs of fatigue, as he remains one of the club’s most consistent performers.

Therefore, the French defender would arguably be an upgrade on MUFC’s current options at right-back, and also a solution at centre-back should the manager need one.

Nevertheless, Tuttosport reveals that Juventus are keen to lock down Kalulu with a new and improved contract, so Man Utd directors must act swiftly and decisively if they wish to lure the player to Carrington next summer.