Sidney Sladen
Manchester United Set To Pursue Nelson Semedo But Face Stiff Competition
Manchester United are reportedly after talented Benfica right-back Nelson Semedo, but could stiff competition from other European biggies as news on Semedo to Manchester United gathers intensity with passing time.
According to Ojogo (h/t Mirror), Italian giants Juventus and AC Milan are also believed to be interested in Semedo and the race to sign the right-back seems to be hitting top gear.
Semedo has played 39 games this season in all competitions and has scored 2 goals and 10 assists.
Manchester United have looked solid on the right with Valencia featuring as right-back and of late, even as a right-wing back, with Mourinho playing a 3-4-3 ( or 5-3-2) formation recently.
This change in set-up would raise question marks over United’s move for Semedo, but the Portuguese full-back’s attacking quality would make him suitable even in this kind of formation.
United have been looking to add strength to their defence, with players like Luke Shaw underperforming this season. However, the quality of players at the back is quite commendable and there isn’t really a need to strengthen the defence. However, a little freshening up would do no harm to the team.
Semedo is undoubtedly a brilliant defender and an excellent full-back. He would challenge Valencia for a spot in the team for sure and this will prompt a competitive mentality within the team. This will be highly essential as United enter second season under Mourinho. It would be important to keep things fresh and Semedo will provide exactly that.
Signing a player like Semedo would also provide Jose with a brilliant option at the back. Valencia is known for his attacking quality and hence he has perfectly settled as a wing-back. However, if need arises that Manchester United need to play with a back four instead of back three, then Semedo would be the perfect choice ahead of Valencia.
Having Semedo also frees up a place and Valencia can be used in his preferred right-wing as an attacker. It would add a different dimension to the Manchester United attack.
It will be interesting to see if Mourinho further intensifies his interest in Semedo, but as of now, Semedo is a Benfica player.
