---
title: "Manchester United: Red Devils should sign Kalidou Koulibaly instead of Harry Maguire"
canonical: "https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/manchester-united-red-devils-should-sign-kalidou-koulibaly-instead-of-harry-maguire/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Uways Nisar"
section: "Manchester United Football Club"
published: "2019-07-25T20:05:44Z"
modified: "2019-07-25T20:05:44Z"
---

# Manchester United: Red Devils should sign Kalidou Koulibaly instead of Harry Maguire

**Manchester United have been linked with a move for [Harry Maguire](https://metro.co.uk/2019/07/03/harry-maguire-wants-leave-leicester-city-man-utd-fail-70m-offer-10107770/) all summer long, and have even had a bid rejected for the 26-year-old.**

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Leicester City are said to value Maguire at close to [£85m](https://www.eurosport.co.uk/football/premier-league/2019-2020/harry-maguire-angry-over-leicester-city-asking-price_sto7372381/story.shtml), with Manchester United’s city rivals [Manchester City](https://metro.co.uk/2019/07/21/manchester-city-remain-interested-signing-manchester-united-transfer-target-harry-maguire-10434359/) also said to be interested in the England international.

The Red Devils are also said to be interested in Napoli and Senegal international [Kalidou Koulibaly](https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/football/9576666/man-utd-koulibaly-maguire-alternative-napoli-leicester/), however, will only consider the 28-year-old if they fail in their pursuit of Maguire.

Maguire has featured heavily in Leicester City’s pre-season fixtures so far, captaining the side, as well as scoring in their [3-0 win over Cambridge United.](https://foxesofleicester.com/2019/07/23/cambridge-leicester-city-evaluating/)

Links with Maguire and Koulibaly make sense after a less than impressive season in the centre of defence for Manchester United. The club conceded the most goals they ever have in the [Premier League](https://www.premierleague.com/stats/top/clubs/goals_conceded?se=210) last season (54), as they finished in [sixth place.](https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/48165993)

Manchester United’s chase of Maguire is most likely due to the 6 foot 4 defender’s ability to carry the ball out of defence. Last season Maguire averaged [0.5 dribbles per game](https://www.whoscored.com/Players/99487/Show/Harry-Maguire), which is more than all of Solskjaer’s current [centre-back options](https://www.whoscored.com/Teams/32/Show/England-Manchester-United) (via WhoScored).

Despite the positives surrounding both players, manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer should prioritise a move for Koulibaly over Maguire. While the 26-year-old is good with the ball at his feet, Koulibaly has mountains of experience in European competition. He would be a valuable asset for the club in being able to reach the latter rounds of the Europa League next season.

[Koulibaly](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/kalidou-koulibaly/leistungsdaten/spieler/93128) has played 58 games across the Champions League and Europa League. Meanwhile, [Maguire](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/harry-maguire/leistungsdaten/spieler/177907) has never featured in European competitions so far in his career.

Koulibaly’s experience is a key reason why he should be considered as the main centre-back target ahead of the Leicester City star. He would be a perfect fit for the club as they look forward to another season in the Europa League.

***Manchester United fans, Maguire or Koulibaly? Tell us who and why below!***