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Manchester United may have scored the third most goals in the Premier League this season, but their inability to keep them out at the other end has proven costly
Ruben Amorim’s team is sixth in the rankings after fifteen games, eight points behind leader Arsenal. To be clear, the Gunners have scored 28 goals and conceded just nine in the league so far.
The Red Devils, meanwhile, have found the net 26 times but scored 22 goals, with only Liverpool (24) posting a worse defensive record in the top half of the table. Naturally, the situation has fueled talks about defensive reinforcements in the run-up to 2026.
Amorim’s defensive dilemma
Amorim is believed to need a defensive shake-up in 2026 with Harry Maguire out of contract at the end of this season. Luke Shaw has been excellent this season. He has started every Premier League match so far but will turn 31 next summer.
Lisandro Martinez, on the other hand, has struggled to stay fit and has yet to start a game this season. An earlier report from The Peoples Person stated that United have identified RB Leipzig defender Castello Lukeba as an option to address the situation.
The Frenchman is one of the best defenders in the Bundesliga and has made 14 appearances in all competitions this season, all of which have been starts.
Castello Lukeba stats: 2025/26 season
| Competition | Performances | Goals | Assists | Yellow cards | Red cards | Minutes played |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bundesliga | 12 | 1 | – | – | – | 1,080′ |
| DFB Cup | 2 | – | 1 | – | – | 180′ |
| Total | 14 | 1 | 1 | – | – | 1,260′ |
Source: Transfer market.
Lukeba is dominant in the air, possesses tremendous pace and also possesses impressive ball-playing skills. All these qualities make him a good fit under Amorim at Old Trafford, but now it appears the Red Devils have fallen behind in the race for his signature.
Chelsea leads Lukeba chase
According to TEAMtalkChelsea are the favorites to sign Lukeba in January, while Bayern Munich are also in the race. The report adds that while the player has an €80 million release clause in his deal which becomes active next summer, it is believed he could be available for around €60 million.
“RB Leipzig’s elegant French centre-back Castello Lukeba could be January’s most eye-catching defensive signing, with Chelsea and Bayern Munich both considering a mid-season move.”
“The 22-year-old left-footed defender, appointed by France at senior level, is contracted until 2029 but has release clauses that are gradually decreasing: €80 million next summer, falling to €65 million in 2027. Crucially, sources in Germany indicate Leipzig would listen to offers starting from €60 million this winter if they fail to qualify for the Champions League, opening the door for an immediate move.”
The report names United among the suitors for the player, but adds that they are not expected to make a move until next summer.
“The Blues are willing to offer €55-60 million in the coming weeks and believe personal terms would be simple. Bayern Munich remains a serious threat. Sporting director Max Eberl, who helped bring Lukeba to Leipzig in 2023, maintains a strong relationship with the players’ camp.”
“Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur, Manchester United and Real Madrid continue to monitor developments, but none of those clubs are expected to move before the summer. Chelsea are currently leading the race, but Bayern’s appeal remains formidable.”
Final thoughts
While United are likely to prioritize a move for a new midfielder in 2026, it seems increasingly clear that they will also need to pay attention to the back line. This latest development could therefore be a setback for the Red Devils’ summer plans.
However, the Premier League giants could also turn to alternative targets such as Nico Schlotterbeck, another physical defender who is also excellent on the ball.
🇫🇷 Castello Lukeba (RB Leipzig, 22)
🎖️ 93rd percentile for defensive matchup%
🎖️ 93rd percentile for progressive strides
🎖️ 81st percentile for passes completedNo U23 centre-back has more progressive passing or progressive actions in the Top 5 Leagues 🎯
👉 https://t.co/CXqK93gR69 pic.twitter.com/b0NpGofIZL
— DataMB (@DataMB_) December 7, 2025
Featured image Luciano Lima via Getty Images
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