Pranav Nair
Manchester United earmark four targets as Barcelona get ready for squad overhaul
According to Spanish publication Mundo Deportivo (h/t Mirror), Manchester United are keen on four Barcelona players amidst a squad overhaul at the Nou Camp.
The Catalans are set for an overhaul both on and off the pitch after their humiliating 8-2 battering by Bayern Munich.
Netherlands boss Ronald Koeman is set to take the hot seat going into next season. The Dutchman is keen to overhaul a squad that has looked bereft of inspiration or ambition of late. This could see a number of experienced professionals made available for purchase. (h/t Mirror)
As per the report, United have their eye on four such players. These include Arturo Vidal, Ivan Rakitic, Ousmane Dembele, and Samuel Umtiti.
It goes on to add that the Catalans are willing to listen to offers for all four players, with United already having enquired about the latter two.
Talented but crocked?
Both Umtiti and Dembele are talented players with years of football left in them. World Cup winners with France, there is no doubting their ability.
The point of concern, however, comes from their fitness. To be precise, their lack of it. To put things into perspective, the duo has made a combined 84 games over the last two seasons. During this same time, they have missed a combined 100 games due to injury.
Although United could do with reinforcing their wing and defence, it is debatable if the aforementioned duo is the answer. As long as their injuries persist, they are always likely to be a liability than an asset.
Has beens!
Rakitic, meanwhile, has made it clear that he is not interested in a move to Old Trafford. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, however, still retains hopes of convincing the Croatian to do otherwise. (h/t Mirror)
Vidal, on the other hand, has just one year on his contract and could be available for cheap. Rakitic is 32, while Vidal is 33. United can do better than go for players who are nearing the fag end of their careers.
The Chilean has looked way off the pace and looked far from his best against Bayern Munich. Vidal was at a time one of the best players in the world. Those days are long past and United will do well to steer clear of the midfielder.
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There is no doubt that United should look to take advantage of Barcelona’s overhaul. However, we will do well to steer clear of injured and has-been players.
United should focus on building for the future. Signing 30+ players suggests otherwise.
