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Man United add this Barcelona star to their centre-half shopping list

Transfer News: Samuel Umtiti among options considered by Manchester United

According to transfer news from Mundo Deportivo, Manchester United are considering Samuel Umtiti as an option to strengthen their defence. It has been said that the Barcelona defender is being lined up as an alternative to Raphael Varane.

Umtiti featured prominently during his first couple of seasons at Camp Nou, playing a key role in the Catalan giants’ triumphant 2017-18 La Liga campaign. However, he has had a torrid time with injuries over the past 2-3 seasons, having spent more time on the treatment table than on the pitch.

Samuel Umtiti joined Barcelona from Lyon
Samuel Umtiti of FC Barcelona looks on during the Liga match between FC Barcelona and Getafe CF at Camp Nou on February 15, 2020 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Eric Alonso/Getty Images)

Barcelona have performed decently this season and several players have stepped up especially in defence. The likes of Pique and Lenglet have been regulars with the emergence of academy players Oscar Mingueza and Ronald Araujo. That has left Umiti in the cold.

The Red Devils are keen to bring in a new central defender to partner Harry Maguire in defence. The club’s attention appears to be on La Liga with Sevilla’s Jules Kounde, Villarreal’s Pau Torres and Real Madrid’s Raphael Varane also in the fray.

Samuel Umtiti has struggled with injuries since joining Barcelona
Samuel Umtiti of FC Barcelona run with the ball during the Liga match between Valencia CF and FC Barcelona at Estadio Mestalla on January 25, 2020 in Valencia, Spain. (Photo by Eric Alonso/Getty Images)

However, in the event that these targets cannot be landed, the club have kept Umtiti as a contingency plan. Umtiti on his day is a classy player who can hold his own at the back.

Unfortunately, injuries have ruined what could have been a potentially great career in Catalunya. Still just 27, Umtiti is currently in his prime. Provided he can get over his injury concerns, he can be a key player for United going forward.

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Umtiti is an excellent defender who is good both on the ground and in the air. The challenge remains to get him fit enough to take the field. Bringing him in should be a feasible option given he is lower down the pecking order and might not cost as much as Varane.

Written by George Baker

Full-time football fan, half-time football writer. Way too big of a Manchester United fan. GGMU.

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