Atlanta United midfielder Ezequiel Barco shoots in the second half of the CONCACAF Champions League playoff football match between Atlanta United and Herediano at the Fifth Third Bank Stadium. (Getty Images)
According to a report from Portuguese outlet Record (h/t the Mirror), Manchester United and Arsenal are among the clubs interested in Atlanta United star Ezequiel Barco.
Ezequiel Barco, 20, has been impressive in MLS since his arrival in 2018, winning the MLS Cup last year and being named an MLS All Star twice.The Argentinean has caught the eye both in America and for his country’s Under-20 side, scoring twice in nine appearances.
Despite seeing his season hindered by injuries and international commitments, the midfielder finished the recent campaign with four goals and three assists in 15 MLS appearances for Atlanta.
Premier League duo Manchester United and Arsenal have been tracking the attacker’s progress, although will face competition for his signature from the likes of Sporting Lisbon, Benfica, Lille and Valencia, the report adds. (h/t Mirror)
Nevertheless, Manchester United must go all out to sign Ezequiel Barco in January. The Red Devils have had an inconsistent campaign so far under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
Injuries to key players and a lack of consistent performances from the young United team sees them at 9th place on the table, seven points adrift of top-four.
The recent 3-3 draw with Sheffield United at the Bramall Lane once again exposed some of the problems in the squad that Solskjaer needs to address. One of the areas the Norwegian must focus on is the midfield, which was completely overrun by the Blades on Sunday.
Even when Paul Pogba and Scott McTominay return from their respective injuries, it is surely the midfield that needs strengthening as the Red Devils looked light of quality in that area against Sheffield United.
Barring a central midfielder, a creative player would also be a good addition as neither Jesse Lingard nor Andreas Pereira has managed to make the No.10 position their own.
Solskjaer has shown plenty of faith in the youngsters this season and some of them have repaid it. With United struggling in the final third because of their inadequate midfield options, Solskjaer should go for Ezequiel Barco in January.
Barco, who is considered one of South America’s most exciting youngsters, can play in various positions across the front-line but he can be at his lethal best when used through the middle. He has impressed in the United States and would thrive in Solskjaer’s quick, counter-attacking style of play.
The young Argentinean could give United the type of dynamism they need to create the goalscoring opportunities that Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial crave to finish off.
Barco is a sublime talent and has caught the attention of a number of European clubs with his dazzling performances at Atlanta United. At 20, he has a bright future ahead and United must do everything in their power to bag his signature in the New Year to ease their creative woes.
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