Umtiti Expresses Commitment to Barcelona Amid Man United Transfer Talk
Manchester United appear to have been dealt a blow in their pursuit of Barcelona defender Samuel Umtiti, after the star reaffirmed his commitment to the club in his post match comments following the win over Roma.
Speaking after his side's comprehensive 4-1 Champions League quarter-final victory over Roma, via Sport, the French international - who celebrated a goal by showing off his Barça badge - was questioned over his future at the club, and stated: "My celebration was to say that I love this club. I just want to play, push myself a hundred percent and do well in a club like Barça.
"That's what matters to me. The rest are things that come out in the press, true and false. I focus on football."
Barcelona manager Ernesto Valverde also dented the Red Devils' hopes of signing Umtiti, stating (via the Sun) "My understanding is that he is happy here; we certainly are with him, and we hope that he stays here for many years.
The 24-year-old is one of the most highly rated defenders in world football, and United will be disappointed to see one of their key transfer targets seemingly rule out a move. José Mourinho has repeatedly criticized his defense since becoming manager at Old Trafford, and will be keen to strengthen his backline ahead of the 2018/19 campaign.
