Manchester United have been quick to downplay reports that they are preparing a move for Tottenham Hotspur defender, with plenty of reasons for the club to take a standoffish approach.
On Monday night, reports from Argentina suggested Manchester United were launching a pursuit of Cristian Romero.
The Tottenham defender, who plays at centre-back for the national team alongside Lisandro Martinez, is expected to leave the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium following a disappointing campaign.
A new development emerged this morning from multiple outlets, including the Manchester Evening News, stressing that the reports from Argentina are ‘wide off the mark’. Here are three key reasons why United should avoid a deal to sign Romero this summer.
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Cristian Romero’s worrying track record with injuries
Romero’s troublesome injury record would be a concern if a deal was to go ahead.
The Argentina international has had his fair share of muscular issues and he missed the end of the season with a knee injury.
That, on top of his disciplinary record, could make Romero a liability at United. His red card at Old Trafford this past season was proof of that.
Man Utd are well-stocked at centre-back
At the age of 28, United would be hoping Romero hits his prime in the coming years. And that may be a likely scenario for any potential suitor.
However, at United, there are already several centre-back options – regardless of whether they are injury prone or not.
That includes Martinez, Harry Maguire, Matthijs de Ligt, Ayden Heaven, and Leny Yoro.
With the midfield being such a priority this summer, the defence (excluding left-back) may have to wait another 12 months to be reassessed.
I’m not saying Romero isn’t superior to the defenders already at United, but after the season he’s just had, it’s not a straightforward upgrade.
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Cristian Romero deal would be costly
Although Romero is expected to leave Tottenham, the north London outfit is going to sell to the biggest bidder.
That means such a deal for a new centre-back would be heavily dependent on how much is spent on revamping the midfield.
United also want to sign a new left-back or winger and an experienced striker. That’s why an expensive deal for a centre-back like Romero right now makes little sense.
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