United get instant response in their bid to sign dominant French star from European giants – report

Manchester United secured only their third clean sheet of the season on Saturday, 17 January, in the 2-0 home win over Manchester City in the Premier League. Goals from Bryan Mbeumo and Patrick Dorgu secured all three points for the Red Devils and ensured a winning start to Michael Carrick’s caretaker tenure. Meanwhile, Harry Maguire and Lisandro Martinez were immense at the back, with the team switching to a back four since former head coach Ruben Amorim’s departure. Maguire registered a commanding performance and played a key role in keeping City’s attacking force, strengthened by Antoine Semenyo’s arrival this month, at bay. However, the Englishman’s contract expires at the end of this season, and he has not signed a new deal yet. Maguire was linked with an exit in January as well, but his departure was reportedly stopped by Carrick. United, though, are laying down succession plans for his eventual exit, and a recent report relayed by The Peoples Person states that they have Juventus defender Pierre Kalulu on their radar for the job. Indispensable for Juventus this season Kalulu rose through the ranks at Lyon but never played for the senior side. He was signed by AC Milan in 2020 but failed to cement a place in the starting XI. Juventus came calling in the summer of 2024, signing him on loan with an option to buy. Such was the Frenchman’s impact that the Bianconeri exercised the €14 million option to buy him permanently last summer. The versatile defender, who is naturally a centre-back, started the season as a right wing-back under former manager Igor Tudor. Following the arrival of Luciano Spalletti in October last year, the 25 year old has played at right-back in a back-four as well as the right-sided centre-back in a back three. Kalulu has appeared 28 times in all competitions this season for Juventus, all of which were starts, and has even contributed one goal and four assists. Pierre Kalulu Stats: 2025/26 Season CompetitionAppearancesGoalsAssistsYellow CardsRed CardsMinutes Played Serie A21131–1,890′ UEFA Champions League6–1––540′ Italy Cup1––––90′ Total28141–2,520′ Source: Transfermarkt. It was previously believed that the Serie A giants would be willing to let him go for €30 million this year, which is a price United are willing to pay. However, a contrasting update on the situation has emerged. Juventus will not sell Kalulu According to journalist Mirko Di Natale, as cited by JuveFC, Juventus are not interested in offloading Kalulu. He said: “I can confirm that Manchester United, Aston Villa and Tottenham Hotspur are all interested in Pierre Kalulu, but for Juventus he has no price, he is NOT FOR SALE.” While the Bianconeri’s stance is understandable, the report adds that they remain under financial constraints, so the Frenchman’s departure cannot be entirely ruled out. However, it is suggested that only a premium offer would convince the Italian giants to part ways with their prized asset, who is under contract until 2029. Final Thoughts The right-back position at United remains a concern, so Kalulu’s ability to fill in the role makes him an enticing prospect for the club. However, with the midfield likely to be at the forefront of the Red Devils’ squad reinforcement plans this year, INEOS may be wary of diverting funds to secure the Frenchman’s signature. Featured image Valerio Pennicino via Getty Images The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social Deepungsu Pandit Deepungsu has been a Manchester United fan since 2000. In his playing days, he was an attacking midfielder with a proclivity for the back heel. Right now, however, he prefers to operate as a regista. Deepungsu has been writing about the Red Devils, Football, and other things since 2009. He has worked for over seven years with Sportskeeda, writing football reviews, opinions and news articles. Deepungsu also maintains a blog, The Thinking Me, where he writes about life and things that interest him. His favourite Manchester United player is Paul Scholes.