According to a Belgian media The Nieuwsblad, manchester united I have scouted Royal Antwerp midfielder Mandela Keita on several occasions over the past few months.
Man United are likely to strengthen the defensive midfield department in the summer as several players in the team are underperforming. Sofyan Amrabat has been a big disappointment on loan from Fiorentina while casemiro He is past his prime and has had issues with intensity in several games.
Scott McTominay has also been inconsistent with his overall performance and there has been an over-reliance on young graduate Kobbie Mainoo in recent months. The Nieuwsblad They are now reporting that United are continually monitoring Mandela's performances in Antwerp and have also contacted his representative to discuss a possible move.
The report does not specify anything else, but it is stated that interested clubs could submit a proposal towards the summer. western ham United, Nottingham Forest and a number of Championship clubs are also said to be interested in the Belgian ace, who has been a regular starter from the number 6 spot for the reigning Belgian champions.
Good potential
Arthur Vermeeren was tremendous for Antwerp in his short Champions League Group stage campaign. The Belgian teenager scored in the surprising 3-2 win over Barcelona and within a month, he moved to Spanish giant Atlético de Madrid. It was a surprise as many expected him to decide his future in the summer.
Like Vermeeren, Keita made a name for himself in Europe. He only started 3 of the games due to a knee injury, but 2 of them were against the Blaugrana. The 21-year-old was brilliant with his tackle, his ability to win duels and his ball recovery for Antwerp. He also impressed with his interceptions and ball control in tight spaces.
This may have caught the attention of United's talent scouts. The club may want a young number 6 to play alongside Mainoo and Keita could be the answer. The midfielder, who has already played for Belgium, has good potential, but still needs to improve his distribution to be considered more than a young prospect.
