Manchester United have a defensive injury crisis at present and centre-back is at the heart of the problems.
Erik ten Hag announced at his midweek press conference that Raphael Varane, Harry Maguire and Jonny Evans are back in training. It was a welcome relief after injuries to Victor Lindelof and Lisandro Martinez, again.
Getting to the end of the season intact will be an achievement. Next season, this position requires an overhaul.
Four of the five centre-backs will be over 30 next season, with the one exception, Martinez, a player who cannot stay fit.
Manchester United target Max Kilman
Manchester United are accordingly being linked to a succession of centre-back signings. It is a position of high-priority this summer with likely more than one player required.
Antonio Silva, Giorgio Scalvini and Jarrad Branthwaite are among the players linked, while a free agent move for Tosin Adarabioyo has also been touted.
Now, another name has been thrown into the mix, Wolves defender Max Kilman.
The Times reports Kilman is on Manchester United’s shortlist, with the club scouting the defender several times this season.
Kilman, 26, is the current Wolves captain, under contract at the club until 2028. A deal would be tricky to do.
United have also separately been linked to Wolves midfielder Joao Gomes, winger Pedro Neto, and somewhat bizarrely, manager Gary O’Neil.
There are two really important reasons behind the interest in Kilman. He is left-footed, like Martinez, and has a strong fitness record, starting 30 Premier League games this season, an ever-present.
Ralf Rangnick recommended Max Kilman
There is a little history behind Manchester United’s interest in Max Kilman, which has not come out of nowhere.
90Min and Teamtalk reported in January 2022 that interim boss Ralf Rangnick had recommended Max Kilman to Manchester United.
Former Wolves defender Dave Edwards told the Express and Star at the time: “Kilman has to be in the next England squad. I think he’s streets ahead of Tyrone Mings and Harry Maguire.”
Kilman is still awaiting his first England call, and he may need to step up a level to gain international recognition.
His omission at international level could be a positive. If signed he could join up promptly for pre-season with no delay.
This is one to keep an eye on, and if it happens, testament to Rangnick’s eye for a player. Perhaps Manchester United should have listened to him at the time, on many levels.