Shock Manchester United target has ‘all the qualities’ to shine for Erik ten Hag

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Premier League Manchester United are being linked with a shock move for Zenit St Petersburg defender Nuraly Alip and one former Kazakhstan international is giving his compatriot the seal of approval.

Nuraly Alip is certainly not the first name that comes to mind when drawing up a list of potential centre-back targets for Manchester United. The 23-year-old does not possess the proven Premier League track record of a Jarrad Branthwaite or a Marc Guehi. He is not quite as highly-regarded as, say, Giorgio Scalvini, Antonio Silva or Goncalo Inacio.

But, while it remains to be seen if there is any truth to the rumours linking Alip with a coupon-busting switch to Old Trafford, one former Kazakhstani defender is backing the Zenit stopper to make a name for himself, if not at United, then at another of Europe’s major clubs.

Nuraly Alip linked with Manchester United

“Why not? He is now the main defender of Zenit, and this is a very high-level club,” Yusup Shadiev tells ProSports. “He is recognized as the best player (in many Zenit matches).

“The guy has improved his level literally before our eyes. He has become a real man.”

The Kazakshtan head coach, Magomed Aliev, believes that Alip has taken a major step forwards with regards to his distribution and his ability to start attacks from defence. Shadiev agrees, Alip blossoming into a well-rounded, verging on complete centre-half.

“He is very competent in his positioning, he has an excellent first pass, and good speed,” Shadiev adds. “He is also a fighter on the field. The soul rejoices for him. He has all the qualities to play in a strong European league if he avoids injuries.”

A shock target for Erik ten Hag

According to Kazakhstan-based publication El, Manchester United scouted Alip during the Euro 2024 qualifier against Slovenia on Monday. Alip, a left-footed centre-half in an era where left-footed centre-halves are all the rage, has already won three league titles in his career, picking up two RPL medals during his time at Zenit.