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.
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.
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.
More Manchester United News:
- Manchester United keen to sign Pau Torres ahead of the summer’s Euros
- Jan Oblak opens up on Premier League move amidst Manchester United interest
- Manchester United ban three fans following Son Heung-Min online abuse
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.