Manchester United’s summer recruitment plans are beginning to take definitive shape, with the club reportedly setting their sights on Werder Bremen’s teenage defensive phenom, Karim Coulibaly.

As the Red Devils desperately look to fortify a backline that has been repeatedly decimated by fitness issues, the 18-year-old German U21 international has emerged as a primary target, according to Sky Sport Germany.

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Viewed as both crucial immediate competition and a long-term succession plan for Lisandro Martinez, Coulibaly represents a strategic shift toward securing top-tier emerging talent.

Man United consider Lisandro Martinez unreliable

Since following Erik ten Hag to Old Trafford in the summer of 2022, Martinez has been a transformative figure when available, offering elite ball progression and aggressive, front-foot defending.

However, the Argentine World Cup winner’s availability has become a major liability.

Martinez has been plagued by a staggering seven different injuries over the past couple of seasons, causing him to miss nearly 100 matches for club and country.

His recent cruciate...