Manchester United will compete with Barcelona for the signing of Dinamo Zagreb starlet Martin Baturina, as new head coach Ruben Amorim looks to stamp his authority on the squad.
The Ruben Amorim era has already begun at Old Trafford from November 11, and the Portuguese tactician will waste no time in getting Manchester United’s season back on track. The 39-year-old, who has succeeded Erik ten Hag, has already put a marker down by informing Ruud van Nistelrooy who, as interim manager, went unbeaten in his four games in charge, that he has no place in his backroom staff.
Amorim has nurtured plenty of young talents in his previous job at Sporting CP and he will want to do the same at Manchester United. And while the young tactician is yet to start his work in England, INEOS have started putting plans in place for the January transfer window and beyond.
The Red Devils are reportedly keen to sign Dinamo Zagreb’s Martin Baturina, who has already snubbed Real Madrid and wants to move to the Bundesliga. One of the brightest young midfield prospects in Europe, Baturina, 21, began his youth career in Split before joining Dinamo Zagreb in August 2017. The midfielder broke into Dinamo Zagreb’s first team a few years ago and has gone onto play almost 150 games thus far, contributing 18 goals and 34 assists.
The young Croat’s progress have not gone unnoticed, capturing attention of several European bigwigs, including Man United, Real Madrid and Barcelona.
Martin Baturina valued around €20-25m
Man United boast a mix of young and experienced midfielders in their ranks. Manuel Ugarte was the latest midfield addition, signed on big money from Paris Saint-Germain. Having worked with Ugarte during his time at Sporting CP, Amorim will be aiming to get the best out of the Uruguayan and fulfilling his potential.
In addition, the 20-time English champions could do with another creator alongside skipper Bruno Fernandes. Baturina, in that regard, should fit that profile perfectly. Skillful and intelligent, the 21-year-old thrives in the final third and can unlock the tightest of defences. He has two goals and seven assists in 17 games this season, which gives a glimpse of his productivity.
The Croatian international could turn out to be a fantastic long-term replacement for the ageing Christian Eriksen. He has the qualities to come in and make an immediate impact at Man United. Valued at just around €20-25m, the Red Devils must do everything possible to bag Baturina’s signature in January.
I am Rohan Sengupta from one of the busiest cities in India, Mumbai. A Journalism graduate with a keen interest in sports, football is something I simply cannot live without and writing, discussing and analyzing the game is what I do 24*7.
