Man Utd lead the race for €5m ‘monster’ also wanted at Chelsea: The new Lisandro Martinez? | OneFootball

Manchester United reportedly have the edge over Chelsea and other clubs that are tracking Gambian teenager Abubacarr Sedi Kinteh.

The 19-year-old started his career at Senegal’s Academy Mawade Wade. Last March, he signed for Tromso, a Norwegian club known for poaching youngsters.

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Despite his tender age, the defender swiftly established himself as a regular starter at the Scandinavian club. He has already made 25 appearances, contributing with a single goal and an assist.

Kinteh’s exploits in Norway have earned him suitors across Europe, but according to Il Corriere dello Sport, Man Utd are leading the race for his signature.

Man Utd have the advantage in the race for Sedi Kinteh

The Italian newspaper reveals interest from Chelsea, as well as the Dutch duo of Ajax and PSV Eindhoven. Nevertheless, MUFC are determined to remain ahead of the competition, so they’re expected to make concerte move soon in order to lock down the teenager ahead of a summer transfer.

The Red Devils consider Kinteh a long-term investment who would also add depth to next season’s squad. His current value is estimated at €5 million by Transfermarkt. The centre-back’s contract with Tromso is valid until December 2029.

(Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)

A scouting report from Futbird described Kinteh as a ‘monster’ in duels, averaging just under 6 duels won per match, as well as 6.5 ball recoveries.

More importantly, the source emphasises the teenager’s impressive technical skills in the possession phase. In his two matches against Norwegian champions Bodo/Glimt, he registered 150 touches, 93/114 passes completed, 3/3 dribbles completed, 7/17 long balls completed, and 20 passes into the final third.

Can Kinteh become United’s new Lisandro Martinez?

These remarkable stats suggest that Kinteh could be a natural understudy for Lisandro Martinez, who is also renowned for his attacking contributions.

Like the 2022 World Cup winner, the Gambian is a left-footed player, and he tends to break the defensive line to chase his marker and win back possession in the middle of the park.

The report believes Kinteh’s characteristics are ideal for a left centre-back in a three-man defence. But if we can follow in Lisandro’s footsteps, he would be able to fit into United’s four-man backline.

At this stage, it remains unclear if Michael Carrick will be handed a permanent role or not. But even if MUFC end up appointing another manager, the club is unlikely to revert to a three-man backline following Ruben Amorim’s troublesome experience.