In what may be the closest thing to a late-March blockbuster trade, Crew SC announced Thursday that it acquired forward Kekuta Manneh in an exchange for midfielder Tony Tchani, allocation money and additional considerations. In an interview with Columbus Crew SC’s Alex Stec, Manneh said he is excited to be joining the Black & Gold.
“I think Columbus is the right place for me to go,” Manneh said. “The way they play and the way I play is a perfect match for both of us, and I can’t wait to get started with Crew SC and see what the future holds.”
Manneh said Columbus is a winning team and he looks forward to seeing MAPFRE Stadium full. Manneh said he watched Crew SC’s last game against the Portland Timbers, in which they triumphed 3-2. He was impressed by the way the players carried themselves and their will to win.
“I want to be a part of that, and going forward I want to be there to help them achieve their goals,” Manneh said.
Manneh said he is very familiar with Head Coach Gregg Berhalter’s system and the team’s style of play.
“They’re on the ball very well,” Manneh said. “That’s how I like to play. I like to be on the ball and create chances, and I think it will be a great fit for me as an individual. I want to be on the ball and create chances and help the team achieve their goals.”
The 22-year-old is in his fifth MLS season and has made 101 regular season appearances (62 starts) while scoring 22 goals and contributing 12 assists. He was also the youngest player in the MLS history to score a hat trick, as an 18-year-old. Manneh is known for his speed and agility, and he says he thinks his versatility, as an athlete, will help him adapt quickly to his new team.
After Manneh and Crew SC captain Wil Trapp attended the U.S. Men’s National Team camp in January, he's looking forward to reuniting and working with his new teammates.
“Trapp was one of the best performers at the camp. He’s one guy I can’t wait to play with,” Manneh said. “He likes to be on the ball, and I like to be on the ball and get touches and get others involved in the game. I’m really excited to play with him and all the other players as well.”
Since joining the MLS in 2013, Manneh said it has been everything he dreamed of and more. He said he couldn’t wait to share his experience with the team.
“It was very exciting when I got going with training and playing week in and week out,” Manneh said. “I’m really excited to have had that experience with Vancouver, and now with Columbus Crew SC as well.”
Manneh will get his first taste of MAPFRE Stadium on gameday as a member of the Black & Gold on Saturday when Crew SC hosts Orlando City SC for a special 4 p.m. kickoff. Fresh off back-to-back wins in Weeks 3 and 4 of the regular season, Columbus Crew SC hosts Eastern Conference rival Orlando City SC on April 1 at MAPFRE Stadium. Saturday's showdown against Orlando City SC will be just the fifth regular season meeting between the clubs all-time. Crew SC has lost to the Lions just once, outscoring the Florida outfit 13-10.
