Manchester United were never really in the title race this season after a promising start. Pep Guardiola vs Jose Mourinho made all the headlines before the season began and the way the two sides spend in the summer transfer window, everyone presumed that the two Manchester clubs would stand over rest of the teams. While the two still occupy the top two spots, United were beset with problems that City weren’t as the season passed.
City have better balance and squad depth and to compete with their neighbours. United need to continue spending money or outspend Guardiola’s side, to be more precise. A lot has already been said of how the side still need a few players. If reports are to be believed, United are eyeing a move for Barcelona defender Samuel Umtiti.
The Blaugrana are still unbeaten in the league and it looks like it’ll stay that way with just two games left to play. Umtiti has been a key player for the side as he has stepped up at the heart of the defence and has put in stellar performances. A report by the Sun indicates that Umtiti has a release clause of £52million, something United won’t have any difficulty paying.
Umtiti – Fact file
Having signed for the club in 2016, Umtiti had a slow start with the club but it was understandable as he was still pretty young. However. Mascherano’s departure allowed him to get more game time and he hasn’t disappointed. He has suited well and everything Barcelona want from their first team players, Umtiti has done successfully this season.
Umtiti has mustered a passing accuracy of 91.2% and his despite his side seeing more of the ball, he has impressive defensive stats of two tackles and 1.5 interceptions a game in the La Liga. He has also managed 2.8 clearances this season.
How will he fit in at Manchester United?
Since the departure of Vidic and Ferdinand, United haven’t had two defenders who’ve formed a solid partnership for years. Eric Bailly seems like a player who can be a long-term star at the club but he needs good support and Umtiti could be the player. The two are pretty young and have their peak years ahead of them. While Umtiti is the ideal front-footed defender, Bailly can play the role of the covering defender.
Having proven how good a player he is, it’s safe to say that he’ll be worth the money considering he is still only 24.