Why Manchester United signing Ezequiel Barco would be a good move
According to TNT Sports (h/t Daily Star), Manchester United are interested in signing Atalanta United star Ezequiel Barco.
Barco, 20, came through the ranks of Independiente’s youth system and made his senior debut in 2016 in a 1-0 win against Belgrano in the Argentine Primera Division. After two years, he was picked by MLS side Atlanta United and has established himself in the US.
Despite starting the 2019 season on a high note, a knee injury forced him out of action for several days and he played just 15 league games that year. And in the process, he scored 4 goals and provided 2 assists.
His performances have caught the eyes of several clubs across Europe including Manchester United and Arsenal, as per the report. And clubs like Inter Milan, Roma, and Sporting Lisbon are also chasing his signature.
Meanwhile, the Red Devils had a bright time in December where they lost just one of their 9 matches that month but couldn’t continue that form in the New Year, where they were humiliated by Arsenal in the league. The match after that saw them draw away to Wolves in the FA Cup.
Their inconsistency has been highlighted all throughout the season where Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s men have defeated big teams but lost to sides that are below them in the table. Despite that, United have managed to cling on to 5th place in the top-flight this season.
United’s midfield has been one of the chief areas of concern, with Paul Pogba on the sidelines, leaving Fred and McTominay to take charge in the middle of the park. The inexperienced duo has done well but is not up to the mark on a consistent basis. Nemanja Matic has fallen out of favour.
In the attacking ranks, Andreas Pereira has not done justice to the number of chances he has got and Juan Mata’s exuberance has diminished in the past couple of seasons. In order to do well and build a team for the future, the Norwegian manager has to reinforce his side.
In that regard, Ezequiel Barco would be a suitable candidate to add to United’s squad as he has been brilliant on the field despite being young.
The Argentine youngster has been a regular for his nation’s youth teams and also has the experience at a higher level for quite some time. An attacking midfielder by trade, he is capable of playing on the flanks too.
The 20-year-old is known for his quick feet and has a good understanding of the game. According to Whoscored, his strengths are dribbling and set-piece ability.
Barco has registered 2.2 shots, 2.1 key passes and 1.5 dribbles per game in the MLS and he would only get better when he gets an opportunity in the European leagues. He would surely bring all his qualities to United if a deal goes through.
Read more
- Why Kalidou Koulibaly would be a massive signing for Manchester United
- Why Semedo would be a great addition to the Manchester United squad
- Why Todd Cantwell could be a superb signing for Manchester United
Verdict
Although he may take time to settle in the English conditions, he would certainly go on to become one of United’s players in the future given his ability and potential. Therefore, United must win the race to Barco’s signature at any cost.
