Manchester United Remain Interested in Mats Hummels Despite Otamendi Rumours

The Old Trafford outfits are currently raiding top European clubs in a bid to secure a world class centre back this summer, and according to ESPN, Mats Hummels tops the prime of United wish list ahead of Valencia’s Nicholas Ottamendi.

For several seasons, Hummel has been in the radar of Manchester United and Van Gaal thinks it is high time the centre back is lured to Old Trafford. Van Gaal believes the player’s style of play is more suited to Manchester United than Ottamendi’s.

Despite being heavily linked with a move away from Borrussia Dortmund, Michael Zorc the Sporting director of the German club has refuted all the claims that the player will leave Dortmund this summer. Following the unyielding nature of the Club, United are indulged to look elsewhere for a centre back.

“It made sense that Mats was thinking about his future, but I always pointed out that we plan (for the future) with him.”  Michael Zorc told German magazine Kicker:

As an alternative plan, United have also lined up 27-year-old Nicolas Ottamendi and the player is keen on moving away from Spain, with England and his preferred career destination.

The difference between Ottamendi and Hummel is insignificant and whichever United succeeds in signing, would add the necessary steel to their shaky defence line. However, it is understood that Ottamendi will not be allowed to leave unless his €50m release clause is met.

The missing link for United last season was a centre back, for the Red Devils to make any progress this season; Van Gaal must sign a centre in the mould of the aforementioned players.