It’s been no secret that Manchester United have coveted another centre back this summer. Despite the purchases of Eric Bailly in 2016 and Victor Lindelof twelve months ago, and with Marcos Rojo, Phil Jones and Chris Smalling already on the club’s books, Jose Mourinho is not satisfied with his options, and has been hoping to add to his central defenders since the transfer window opened.
However, much to the Portuguese’s chagrin and with a little over one week until the window closes, United have yet to complete a deal for any of the players that they’ve been linked with in the position. Leicester City’s Harry Maguire and Tottenham Hotspur’s Toby Alderweireld have both been the subject of much speculation that has led to little so far, but another new name has been added onto the pile in recent weeks in the shape of Barcelona’s Yerry Mina.
The Colombian, who enjoyed a productive World Cup with his national team and scored a late equaliser in their last 16 tie with England, only moved to Catalonia in January after moving from Brazilian side Palmeiras. Yet Mina only featured five times for the eventual La Liga champions, and when asked about his future at the club, Mina was less-than bursting with positivity.
“In terms of my future, I have no idea but I’m calm about it. I’m 23 years old and have a lot of football left to play,” said Mina in an interview with Bocas run by the Manchester Evening News.
“I understand that there are spectacular players [at Barcelona] but I just wanted to have a minute to impress and it didn’t happen.”
Whether or not United can take advantage of Mina’s current situation remains to be seen; after only seven months at Barcelona, it would certainly be strange to see the Colombian jump ship so quickly, but if Mourinho can offer regular first team football, then perhaps the player will be swayed.
