Manchester United scouts watch Kim Min-jae as Bayern defender stars at World Cup

Manchester United are monitoring Bayern Munich defender Kim Min-jae, with German news outlet TZ reporting that the club has been sending scouts to watch the South Korea international, who is attracting interest from several clubs across Europe.

Kim delivered a timely reminder of his quality in the early hours of Friday morning, playing the full 90 minutes at centre-back as South Korea defeated Czechia 2-1 in their opening Group A match at the World Cup. The game was played at Estadio Akron in Zapopan, with South Korea recovering from conceding the first goal — scored by Wolves defender Ladislav Krejci — to win through strikes from Feyenoord midfielder Hwang In-beom and Besiktas forward Oh Hyeon-gyu.

This is not the first time United have been linked with the 29-year-old. The defender was reportedly a target during his time at Napoli before Bayern Munich triggered his €50 million (£43 million) release clause to sign him in 2023.

United have already been active in the summer transfer window. The club has agreed a deal to sign Atalanta midfielder Ederson for an initial £35 million, with up to £3.8 million in add-ons taking the total potential fee to £38.8 million.

United had also been linked with Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson, but it is understood the club will now pursue other targets after Manchester City emerged as the England international’s preferred destination.

Kim’s next opportunity to impress watching scouts comes when South Korea face co-hosts Mexico in Zapopan on Thursday.