Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is on the hunt for a new central defender and has reportedly set his sights on Barcelona’s Samuel Umtiti.
Barcelona’s current financial struggles mean they need to offload several players in the summer and Umtiti could be available for a bargain price.
The 27-year-old impressed for France in the 2018 World Cup and was expected to take his game to a whole new level. However, he has failed to kick on due to a combination of injuries and poor form.
Umtiti has made 132 appearances for Barcelona since his arrival from Lyon in 2016. He has two years left on his current contract.
Is Samuel Umtiti the perfect partner for Harry Maguire?
Manchester United’s defensive frailties were the main factor that prevented them from challenging Manchester City for the Premier League title last season. Solskjaer’s side conceded a whopping 44 goals in the league, more than any other club in the top four. That’s an area that needs to be addressed in the summer ahead of a potential title push.
Harry Maguire has settled down following his big-money move from Leicester City in 2019 and is now one of the first names on the teamsheet. However, Victor Lindelof has been extremely error-prone, while Eric Bailly has been plagued by injuries.
Maguire needs a solid partner in defence, and Samuel Umtiti could fit the bill. Although Umtiti’s stock has fallen in recent seasons, mainly due to his injury woes, he is still a top talent in his position.
The Frenchman is strong and powerful; his aerial ability is one of his biggest assets. He is also quick and comfortable in possession, capable of carrying the ball up the field and also playing out from the back. Over the course of his career, Umtiti has averaged 1.8 interceptions, 4.2 clearances, and 55 passes per game. He also wins close to two aerial duels per match.
Moreover, Samuel Umtiti only 27, meaning he has plenty of years left in him at the top. A move to United would present him with the opportunity to resurrect his career after his recent struggles in Spain for a Barcelona side which is clearly in a botched-up transitional phase.
United are also in the race to sign Raphael Varane from Real Madrid but have not yet tabled a bid for the World Cup winner. If they can fix their defence ahead of the new season, there is no doubt they will be challenging on multiple fronts.