Manchester United have been flying since the return from the enforced break with a number of impressive victories and assured performances. Solskjaer, however, has made it clear that he will be looking for attacking reinforcements over the summer and expects to create serious competition for places. Rumours have been swirling for months of a move for rising star Jadon Sancho who, as a hungry, young talent with an industrious spirit ingrained by his development at Borussia Dortmund, embodies the qualities Solskjaer has placed greatest emphasis upon in his tenure thus far. Two other bright, young things in Marcus Rashford and Mason Greenwood continue to impress at the club and the possibility of Sancho joining them is a mouth-watering prospect for United and England fans alike.
In light of Anthony Martial’s maiden hat-trick against Sheffield United and the rapid growth of Mason Greenwood, some experts have argued that the Red Devils should reconsider spending big on another attacking player like Sancho. Counter to this, although Martial’s recent form has been encouraging for the club, the Frenchman has still yet to score more than 20 league goals in a single season, whilst it is also important not to place too much responsibility on the shoulders of Greenwood at the tender age of eighteen.
Solskjaer is also well aware of the importance of pressure for places, having experienced the fierce battle for playing time at Manchester United when he was competing amongst the likes of Andy Cole, Dwight Yorke and Teddy Sheringham. It is clearly still apparent to the Norwegian that, despite the recent upturn in form, their season has been a disappointment with the club at 15/8 in football betting to finish outside the top four. The manager has certainly signalled his interest in strengthening ‘We’ve always got to look at improving…We’re too far away from where we need to be and want to be.’ Sancho, in just 25 starts this season, has an astounding 17 goals and 16 assists in the Bundesliga this season and must stand out to Solskjaer as the type of rare talent which can elevate an entire squad.
Sancho’s previous ties to Manchester City would certainly make him a popular signing with the Man United faithful, many of whom feel it would represent revenge over their rivals after they poached Carlos Tevez in 2009. The famous ‘Welcome to Manchester’ posters featuring the Argentine were a definite form of gloating but signing Sancho could be a huge ‘one-up’ after he left Man City despite their attempts to keep him.
Regardless of fan rivalries, the hierarchy and management at Manchester United must see Sancho as a prodigious talent who would improve the team overnight. At just 20 years old he has already established himself as one of the leading lights in a strong Bundesliga, whilst he has gained invaluable experiences in the Champions League (including a goal against the mighty Barcelona). With suggestions that a contract has already been agreed behind the scenes, it may just come down to convincing Borussia Dortmund to part with their most valuable asset.
Rashford, Greenwood, Sancho: it has quite a ring to it.
Jadon Sancho: the final piece in an English holy trinity at Man United?
