Why Man United signing Salisu would be a worthy deal

According to a report by Diario de Valladolid (h/t Daily Mail), Manchester United are interested in Real Valladolid defender Mohammed Salisu.

The 20-year-old has impressed the United scouts (h/t Daily Mail), following his consistent displays at the back for the Spanish outfit in recent times.

Real Valladolid defender Mohammed Salisu engages in a tussle against Barcelona's Lionel Messi. — Real Valladolid defender Mohammed Salisu engages in a tussle against Barcelona’s Lionel Messi. (Getty Images)

Having joined the club’s youth setup in 2017, Salisu broke into the Real side last year. And since then, he has cemented a spot for himself in the squad. The Ghanaian has started in all their league matches so far.

His £10million release clause does make him a tantalizing prospect but after signing a contract only last May, Valladolid would not be keen to part ways with their star defender.

Salisu in action against Barcelona. (Getty Images)

However, it would be hard for them to keep hold of Salisu with a host of clubs such as Everton, Newcastle, Southampton and Norwich City also considering a move for the youngster, as claimed by Daily Mail.

Meanwhile, it has not been the best of seasons for United, who are currently sitting 9th in the table.

They have had their troubles at the back with as many as four defenders – Eric Bailly, Timothy Fosu-Mensah, Diogo Dalot and Marcos Rojo all out due to injuries.

Marcos Rojo makes a pass during the UEFA Europa League group L match between Partizan Belgrade and Manchester United. (Getty Images) — Marcos Rojo makes a pass during the UEFA Europa League Group L match between Partizan Belgrade and Manchester United. (Getty Images)

Of the four, Bailly and Rojo are central defenders and since their arrivals, the two have had a rather difficult time at Old Trafford.

A string of consistent injuries has sidelined both the Ivorian and the Argentine to limited game time.

Manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s first-choice defenders Victor Lindelof and Harry Maguire have also struggled to impress, especially in the 3-3 draw against Sheffield United recently.

Harry Maguire of Manchester United reacts during the Premier League match between AFC Bournemouth and Manchester United at Vitality Stadium on November 02, 2019 in Bournemouth, United Kingdom. (Photo by Harry Trump/Getty Images)

Lindelof has not been in the best of form this season while Maguire has helped a formerly shaky United defence gain some stability with his arrival. However, he is far from the player he used to be at Leicester City.

Phil Jones, on the other hand, has time and again proven to be a surplus to requirements, as he continues to be overlooked by Solskjaer.

Phil Jones has fallen down the pecking order with current United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. (Getty Images)

The former England international lacked confidence and seemed out of position most of the time against Sheffield United.

Axel Tuanzebe, meanwhile, has just returned from injury but he does not have enough experience on his side.

Hence, signing a young defender would serve United well as a potential future investment.

United defender Axel Tuanzebe does not have enough experience on his side. (Getty Images)

The strong and tall Salisu has been solid at the back for Valladolid with his consistent displays and has one goal in 14 league appearances this season.

His average of 1.2 tackles and 4.8 clearances per game further showcases his mettle as a proven performer at the back (Source: Whoscored).

Verdict

With so many defenders currently injured in the squad – and most of them being consistently sidelined – it would be wise of United to spill some cash for Salisu.

Even though he is young, the Ghanaian has proven to be a regular starter and has enough experience under his belt now.

Hence, it would be a worthy signing, given the fact that United are targeting a proven performer.