Manchester United’s race to sign Tromso defender Abubacarr Sedi Kinteh in 2026 is heating up with Christopher Vivell pushing the Red Devils into the lead.
While Manchester United are strong in defensive options right now, the department is thinner than it seems.
The result of injuries to the department means United have been looking at younger defensive additions to bolster the ranks, with Abubacarr Sedi Kinteh being targeted.
United have been linked with signing Kinteh in the summer, against direct competition from Premier League rivals. Now, Christopher Vivell has the Red Devils leading the race.
Manchester United take the lead in race to sign Abubacarr Sedi Kinteh
Kinteh is a highly rated defensive prospect from Gambia and is currently earning plaudits for his performances in Norway.
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Now, according to Corriere dello Sport, United are ‘aggressively’ chasing Kinteh, with the talent considered a long-term investment.
United are alongside Chelsea, PSV, and Ajax in wanting the sign the 19-year-old who has an estimated value of just £4.3m
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The outlet claims that United currently have the advantage in the race for Kinteh, although there has been no official offer submitted just yet.
United are also looking to accelerate the interest, with a scouting trip being planned to watch him in person.
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Kinteh is even quicker than Benjamin Sesko
Over the past few days, much has been made of United’s Benjamin Sesko and his brilliant goal against Everton.
In scoring, Sesko demonstrated his blistering pace which clocked in at 35.3 km/h. This placed him second for United this season in terms of fastest sprint, following Bryan Mbeumo at 36.3 km/h against Fulham in August.
However, despite Sesko’s speed blowing fans away, Kinteh is clocked in as being even quicker in his career.
Kinteh’s top speed is 37 km/h, similar to that of the Premier League’s quickest players, Micky van de Ven.
Not only is Kinteh rapid, but he is also physically dominant both on the ground and aerially, making him in many ways the perfect central defender for the Premier League.
He is still quite raw, but the potential is clearly there. United could have a completely unique talent on their hands.
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