Manchester United (Man United) is simultaneously keeping an eye on key resources from both South Korea and Japan to pursue the Asian market and strengthen its squad.
British outlet Teamtalk reported on the 18th (Korea time) that Michael Carrick (45), Man United's interim manager, was deeply impressed by Japanese midfielder Tanaka Ao (28), who starred in the Premier League round 32 match against Leeds United on the 14th in which they lost 1-2, and has expressed a desire to sign him.
Carrick was reportedly impressed by Tanaka, who started alongside Ethan Ampadu (26) as the central midfielder in Leeds' 3-4-2-1 formation. The midfield Tanaka marshaled overwhelmed the midfield pairing of Casemiro (34) and Manuel Ugarte (25).
Carrick reportedly strongly recommended signing Tanaka to the INEOS Group Holdings S.A. leadership, the co-ownership group of Man United. Tanaka was signed from Düsseldorf, Germany, in 2024 and plays for Leeds.
Tanaka is under contract with Leeds until 2028. But under manager Daniel Parke's regime he has started only eight times, and he is expected to enter the summer transfer market to seek more starting opportunities.
However, Leeds has indicated plans to offer Tanaka a new contract following his recent performances. This is the exact opposite of their earlier consideration to sell him for a transfer fee of 15 million pounds (about 29.8 billion won). Tanaka is attracting interest from Man United as well as Newcastle United and Everton.
If Man United signs Tanaka, the club could have players of both Korean and Japanese nationality. Man United has also put Oh Hyun-kyu (25, Besiktas), who has been showing sharp scoring instincts in the Turkish league, on its transfer list to strengthen the attack.
Man United is said to be captivated by Oh Hyun-kyu's aggressive play and finishing ability based on his physicality and speed. If he emerges as a cost-effective striker, Tottenham is also reported to be eyeing him.
Oh Hyun-kyu moved to Besiktas from KRC Genk (Belgium) in February for 14 million euros (about 27.8 billion won), and in just 10 matches produced nine attacking points (7 goals, 2 assists), establishing a clear presence.
Man United, albeit briefly in the past, once had both Korean and Japanese players at the same time. That was in the summer of 2012 with Korea's Park Ji-sung (45) and Japan's Shinji Kagawa (37, Cerezo Osaka).
Park Ji-sung shone across multiple areas for Man United at the time and was hailed as Asia's top player. Kagawa, who had built his reputation at Borussia Dortmund (Germany), raised expectations when he joined Man United. But simultaneous contributions were unrealized after Park Ji-sung left for Queens Park Rangers (QPR).
If Man United gets its wish and signs Oh Hyun-kyu and Tanaka together this summer, it would realize the 'Korea-Japan duo' that failed to happen 14 years ago. A scenario emerges in which Oh Hyun-kyu carries out various tasks up front while Tanaka orchestrates the team from midfield.
From INEOS Group Holdings S.A.'s business-first perspective, it would also be the best in terms of cost-effectiveness. Not only could they be signed for a combined 30 million euros (about 59.5 billion won), but they would also attract the Asian fandom.
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