If recent reports are to be believed, then Tottenham Hotspur full-back Kyle Walker could just turn out to be a realistic target for Manchester United in the summer. United’s scarcity of quality full-backs have led the rumour mill to throw up numerous names as their transfer targets in the past one month; some of them likely but most look unlikely.
And Walker, being one of Spurs’ best players this season, didn’t look like he was leaving White Hart Lane anytime soon especially with the team doing extremely well. However, manager Mauricio Pochettino’s decision to bench the 26-year-old and play Kevin Trippier instead against Chelsea may have brought some doubt about his place. Spurs were knocked out of the FA Cup semi-final and reportedly it has forced the player to reassess his future at the club.
United have had their own problems on that defensive flank throughout the season and while they have a brilliant option in Antonio Valencia, his aged legs haven’t been very reliable amidst the hectic schedule. Luke Shaw’s repeated absence have forced the Italian right-back, Matteo Darmian, to play on the left back out of position often. This has arisen a crisis in that position and lately, we have also seen Mourinho playing winger Ashley Young to fill the void.
We expect some United players in that role flushing out at the end of the season as Mourinho gets ready to bring in reinforcements, and Walker could be a brilliant fit for it. United will face a stiff competition from rivals Manchester City in Walker’s pursuit, who are also dealing with a grave crisis at the back.
Walker has appeared 29 times for Spurs in the league this season, in which he has managed to provide six assists. His main job under Pochettino has been more on the offensive and hardly has the Argentine manager deployed him strict defensive duties. Pochettino has played him as a right-back, a right midfielder and even as a central midfielder. And given how productive he is, he has managed to register assists from all three positions.
His abilities definitely make him a brilliant asset for any side he goes, and especially in a team like Manchester United who plays with a high line and counters aggressively, the Sheffield-born player could be devastating. Walker relies mainly on pace and strength in advancing the yards and could chip in some mouth-watering crosses into the D-box.
However, Spurs will be very wary of letting him go as the club enters an important stage. And selling him to a direct rival would be sheer madness. Walker currently earns £70,000 a week and his current suitors, United and City, could easily spike it up to lure him. He can trigger a transfer war.
