Manchester United Seek Attacking Boost with Push for PSG Forward | OneFootball

Lee Kang-in on Manchester United’s Radar as Summer Rebuild Intensifies

Amorim Identifies Creative Target

Manchester United’s reshaping under Ruben Amorim has entered a crucial phase as the club targets Lee Kang-in, following reports that the South Korean playmaker has rejected a new contract offer at Paris Saint-Germain. As reported by Caught Offside, “United technical director Jason Wilcox has ‘made a move’ to sign Lee after Ruben Amorim identified him as someone who could add much-needed creativity and goals to his team.”

Lee, 23, has emerged as a key name in a shortlist that also includes Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo, as United seek to retool their forward line following a disappointing campaign. The club’s 15th-place finish and Europa League final loss to Tottenham have prompted sweeping internal change.

United have already agreed personal terms with Matheus Cunha and intend to activate his £62.5 million release clause from Wolves, with the fee structured in instalments. But their intent is clear — Amorim wants more than just a striker. He needs variety, invention, and depth.

Photo: IMAGO

Encouragement from PSG Contract Breakdown

United’s pursuit of Lee has been boosted by developments in Paris. “United have been given ‘encouragement’ in their bid to land the right winger – who can also play as a No 10 – as contract talks with PSG have ‘stalled’ after he ‘rejected’ their latest proposal.”

While the exact nature of Wilcox’s approach is not yet disclosed, contact has reportedly been made with either PSG or Lee’s agent to signal intent. That signal may need to grow louder, with Atletico Madrid, Napoli, Arsenal, Aston Villa, and Newcastle United all circling.

Among those, Atleti and Napoli are believed to be the most serious contenders, with Napoli eager to pair Lee with Kevin De Bruyne, should they pull off their own summer coup.

Lee’s 2023–24 campaign was productive, if not prolific. In 45 appearances across all competitions for PSG, he notched six goals and six assists, contributing to a domestic treble and a Champions League final run. Comfortable on the right wing, in a central No.10 role, or even up top, Lee offers tactical flexibility that would fit neatly into Amorim’s evolving system.

Premier League Proven Option in Mbeumo

However, while Lee’s technical quality is respected, United fans may favour a more Premier League-ready addition. Mbeumo’s numbers demand attention — 20 goals and eight assists in 38 games for Brentford is elite production for a wide forward.

Photo: IMAGO

Mbeumo’s familiarity with the English top flight adds a layer of security. He’s a known quantity — dynamic, direct, and already successful in this environment. In contrast, Lee remains a player full of potential but yet to be tested in the Premier League’s physical intensity.

Still, Amorim appears eager to reshape his attack with multiple additions. The vision is clear: a new centre-forward, Cunha, and either Lee or Mbeumo. That trio could reignite United’s faltering forward line and give them a credible chance of returning to the Premier League’s upper reaches.

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For Manchester United fans, this is a welcome shift. After years of reactive transfer strategy, there is now a visible plan — one that values creativity and goals in equal measure.

Lee Kang-in is an intriguing option. He may not have Premier League experience, but his pedigree at PSG and versatility make him an attractive fit. If Amorim trusts him to be the spark United need, fans will give him the benefit of the doubt.

That said, Bryan Mbeumo feels like the safer bet. He’s proven, lethal, and would be an instant upgrade in United’s attacking depth. His numbers speak for themselves, and pairing him with Cunha could restore the fear factor United once had in the final third.

There’s cautious optimism now. Wilcox’s proactive approach and the willingness to spend on the right profiles — these are things United fans have been crying out for.

But execution is everything. United can’t afford another scattergun summer. If they land both Cunha and one of Lee or Mbeumo, fans will believe the rebuild is finally taking shape.