Manchester United are closing in on the signature of Leicester City’s Harry Maguire, but they seem to be interested in signing another centre-back, Barcelona’s Samuel Umtiti. Umtiti was previously linked with a move to Manchester City to replace Vincent Kompany in the City defence.
Le10Sport have reported that Guardiola’s side were earlier interested in the French defender but city rivals Manchester United have now spoken to Barcelona about signing the French centre-back. The report states that the two clubs have begun discussions over a move for Umititi. The Catalan giants reportedly want €60 million for the 25-year-old, but United are willing to pay €50 million.
Umtiti is no longer the first-choice beside Gerard Pique at Barcelona, losing his place to compatriot Clément Lenglet in the Barcelona first-team. In the 2018-19 season, he played just 15 games for the Catalan giants and may leave the club in search of more game time.
The Frenchman’s contract with Barcelona expires in 2023, having signed an extension last season. Umtiti joined Barcelona from Lyon in 2016 and has gone on to play 97 times for the club.
A good alternative to Maguire and Koulibaly?
It seems that Manchester United’s interest in Umtiti is a back-up plan if the Maguire deal falls through. The Frenchman is a good reader of the game from the back, making key interceptions and blocks, while also being very good with the ball at his feet, making forward passes as well as driving the ball upfield.
Umtiti fits in at a club like Barcelona, where they dominate possession and keep hold of the ball, and expect their central defenders to be good with the ball at their feet.
But, he would not be a good fit at Manchester United, or the Premier League, where the game is a lot quicker and physical in nature. The Red Devils need a commanding figure at the back, who is good with the ball at his feet, in the air, as well as one who can outmuscle attackers and defenders as well given the direct approach a number of bottom half teams approach in the league.
Umtiti would be a better fit at Manchester City under Pep Guardiola, but isn’t the right defender for Manchester United, currently. Manchester United should rather not sign any central defenders for the fees being quoted if they do not manage to land Harry Maguire or Kalidou Koulibaly in the 2019 summer transfer window.