Erik ten Hag Blocks Summer Move For Manchester United Player Deemed ‘Untouchable’

Manchester United manager, Erik ten Hag has put an end to Eintracht Frankfurt’s pursuit of Victor Lindelof this summer, considering the defender as ‘untouchable’ within the squad.

Ten Hag turned to the Swedish international after Lisandro Martinez suffered a season-ending injury in April.

Lindelof played the full 90 minutes in each of United’s last nine league matches, as well as the FA Cup semi-final and final against Brighton and Manchester City, impressing with his performances.

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With Raphael Varane returning from injury, Lindelof was preferred over Harry Maguire in the heart of United’s defense, finishing the season in fine form and earning praise from his manager.

Although Inter Milan and Atletico Madrid were rebuffed during the January transfer window, Lindelof was reportedly among the players at risk of being moved on as part of a summer clear-out.

According to reports from Bild, Frankfurt had shown interest in Lindelof in January and recently reignited their pursuit as they sought a replacement for Evan Ndicka, who is set to depart when his contract expires this summer.

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However, the German publication states that Frankfurt has “no chance” of securing the services of the Swedish center-back, as ten Hag is eager to keep him at the club.

Renowned journalist Fabrizio Romano also confirms that ten Hag considers Lindelof ‘untouchable’ and is likely to reject any further summer interest in the player.

Manchester United is actively searching for a new center-back, with reports from Italy suggesting that a deal to sign Napoli’s Kim Min-Jae is in the final stages.

The South Korean international joined Gli Azzurri last summer as a replacement for Kalidou Koulibaly, who moved to Chelsea. It is reported that the Red Devils have already agreed to meet his release clause.

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Min-Jae’s arrival at Old Trafford could pave the way for Harry Maguire’s departure, as ten Hag recently stated that the club captain could leave if he is unsatisfied with a squad role in the upcoming season.

However, Maguire has expressed his desire to remain at the club, despite starting only eight league games this season.

In addition to Maguire, Phil Jones and Axel Tuanzebe will leave the club when their contracts expire on 30 June. Eric Bailly is also expected to be offloaded by Manchester United as part of their summer plans.