Pranav Nair
Leo Ostigard backs Kim Min-jae for choosing Bayern Munich ahead of Manchester United
Manchester United were heavily linked with a move for Kim Min-jae in the summer transfer window only for the player to move to Bayern Munich, a decision that Napoli ace Leo Ostigard agrees with.
The 26-year-old was the standout defender in Serie A last season and led the Napoli defence that helped the club secure their first Scudetto in the post-Diego Maradona era. This saw him win the MVP award for the 2022/23 Serie A defender of the season.
In the prime of his career and also having proven his worth in a top-tier league, Kim was subjected to much interest in the summer of 2023. The Red Devils were very keen to secure his signature and it came as a gut shot when Bayern Munich swooped in to land him.
Napoli have lacked the same aura of invincibility they displayed last season and one could argue that Kim’s departure has played a role in it. His former teammate from Naples, Ostigard is upset at losing the South Korean but believes his decision to snub Manchester United was the right one.
In a conversation with Transfermarkt (h/t Manchester Evening News), the Norwegian claimed that in the end, Kim had to choose between Bayern and United. One team had to lose and unfortunately, it was us.
“No one here is happy with his departure. He’s a great person and we miss him. He had a great opportunity: apparently, he could decide between Manchester United and Bayern Munich and in the end, he opted for the Bavarians. It was a good choice.”
Time to rebuild!
Solid on the ball and excellent in the air, Kim certainly had the traits that United were seeking. The Red Devils are struggling at the back and have had to contend with injuries to Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez. Luke Shaw is also out while Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof’s performances remain inconsistent.
Bringing in a player of Kim’s stature, especially after the season he had would have been a statement signing. A leader, the South Korean would also have brought in some much-needed stability to our rearguard.
But then, we have to admit that Bayern are in a far better position than us at this moment in the pursuit of major titles. The Red Devils still have much work to do if they are to retain their pre-eminent positions as the go-to destination in European football.
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The 26-year-old has enjoyed a fine start to life at Bayern amid concerns with injuries. Thomas Tuchel’s side are among the favourites for the Bundesliga and the UEFA Champions League this season. Hopefully, we go on to be more proactive to secure our priority transfer targets in the upcoming transfer windows.
