Mohamed Salisu of Real Valladolid CF in actionduring the Liga match between Real Valladolid CF and RCD Espanyol at Jose Zorrilla on February 23, 2020 in Valladolid, Spain. (Getty Images)
According to ESPN, Manchester United have made enquiries about Real Valladolid centre-back Mohammed Salisu.
The report suggests that United are looking to add another centre-back ahead of next summer in order to provide competition for Victor Lindelof. Summer signing and skipper Harry Maguire remains manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s first choice man.
However, Lindelof’s form and inconsistency have been a cause of concern, prompting the club hierarchy to look for better options to partner Maguire in the heart of their defence.
That said, United are looking at new defensive reinforcements and the 21-year-old Salisu has emerged as a potential target. The young centre-back’s rock-solid displays at the back have seen him feature in Valladolid’s all 27 league matches this season.
With 8 clean sheets to his name, he has also helped them from falling further into the relegation zone, with the club currently 15th in the league table. Despite Valladolid’s poor displays this season, young Salisu has been a mainstay at the back. This has seen them emerge as the side with the best defensive record among the bottom-ten sides in the league.
Salisu, alongside centre-backs Kiko Olivas and Javi Sanchez, has been excellent in Valladolid’s three-man defence that has seen them concede just 33 goals as of now. The young Ghanaian got promoted to Valladolid’s senior squad just last summer but his performances give a completely different picture. Hence, it is not surprising that the Red Devils have shown an interest in him.
United have mostly preferred Lindelof to partner Maguire in their defence this season. They have conceded just 30 goals in 29 league games.
They also have Eric Bailly, Axel Tuanzebe, Marcos Rojo, Chris Smalling and Phil Jones in the squad. Rojo and Smalling are currently out on loan with Estudiantes and Roma respectively, while Jones has been restricted to just two Premier League appearances.
Meanwhile, Bailly’s injury concerns have seen him on the sidelines a lot. Academy graduate Tuanzebe is still undergoing his development, forcing the club to look at Salisu.
Having proved his potential in his maiden La Liga campaign itself, Salisu looks like a perfect fit to partner alongside Maguire in the United defence. Hence, they should secure his services sooner than later.
In Salisu, United have a consistent performer at the back who can help them climb the ladder next season. Despite having as many as 7 centre-backs, the Red Devils have faced inconsistencies. And Salisu’s arrival looks like a welcome sign. Moreover, he is young and can develop even further under Solskjaer’s guidance.
