As the season winds down, the rumors of Jadon Sancho to Manchester United wind up. With the right-wing being the biggest need in the squad right now, Ole Gunnar Solskjær will be looking to bolster the position.
Mason Greenwood and Daniel James have performed well this season, but new competition will either help to find a new star or advance the development of the current players. Unfortunately, money in the bank for United is low, and unless the Glazers invest (which we all know is unlikely if not impossible #GlazersOut) a cheaper alternative, other than Sancho, may be needed.
What to Look For?
For the players I have selected, the parameters I have considered are 1. They have to be affordable 2. They have to be realistic, this is real life, not FIFA or Football Manager 3. They have to be young, as United have a rebuilding squad looking towards youth for the future.
Federico Bernardeschi
Bernardeschi is not one of the first names you think of when you think about Juventus. He is here simply because of how well he would fit into the team, as well as already being linked with United. With reports of Juventus willing to let him go for as little as £30 Million pounds, it would be ¼ the asking price of Dortmund’s Jadon Sancho.
More of a traditional winger, this season he has notched 29 total appearances, only creating 1 goal and 1 assist. The production is not nearly as good as Sancho but with a fresh start on a new team, as well as an opportunity to be a first-team starter, he could develop into an impact player for United.
Todd Cantwell
We all saw his banger against United in Norwich’s 2-1 loss in the FA Quarter-Finals, but he is on this list for more than just that goal. At a ripe age of only 22, the young Englishman has been a catalyst for the small success Norwich has had this season. He has 35 appearances in all competitions and has produced 7 goals and 2 assists. Unlike Bernardeschi, he has produced more goals, although crossing is not a strength for him.
On the other hand, at only 22, it is possible for him to further develop this skill. With transfermarkt valuing him at £17.7 Million pounds, Norwich could ask for a hefty sum. However, with Norwich looking relegation in the face, he may want to force a move-out, especially if United show interest, which could bring the fee down. Although an option that would provide competition, I personally do not see him as an improvement to Daniel James.
Willian
At 31, he is the oldest player on the list. Manchester United has had success with former Chelsea players, via Matic and Mata, and Willian could be the next up. It is possible to get him at the best price of free, with him resigning with Chelsea for the month, he is up to be a free agent after the season ends. The biggest reason he would fit well within United’s team is that he could be a placeholder for a season, allowing them to reevaluate the position in a season or two.
Pending on the growth of Greenwood, and or James, United may see it fit to not go for a big signing at Right-Winger. Willian could provide instant help within the squad, as he has produced 10 goals and 6 assists in 42 competitive appearances. He has also proved that he can compete on the highest levels of football, such as the Prem and Champions League. He is my favorite alternative to Sancho, as he is again free and could provide an instant effect.
Ryan Fraser
With an ugly end to his Bournemouth career, Ryan Fraser refused to even sign a short-term extension to finish out the season with his former team. Like Willian, Fraser is available for the amazing price of free! At the age of 26, the Scot has notched 4 assists and 1 goal for the cherries in the Premier League this season. He would provide depth and competition at the club, but I can’t see him starting over Greenwood next season.
Federico Chiesa
The second Italian on this list, Chiesa currently plays his football for Florentina in Serie A. He is also the most expensive player on the list, with offers from Napoli and Roma reaching up to £45 million pounds and a player swap on the table. One of, if not the most exciting player on the list, Chiesa has scored 10 goals and 3 assists in 31 all competition appearances this season. Chiesa can also play as a number 9 or on the left.
In House
In the end, United may not even go for a Right-Winger. With Greenwood’s spectacular form after the restart and Daniel James’s potential, United may feel that money may be spent better in other areas of the team and therefore rely on the 2 wingers for next season. Only time will tell what Manchester United’s next move is, as 50 more players will be linked with United before they secure a transfer, the speculation will continue.
Thank you for reading my first article, with many more to come! It’s always a great day if you’re a Red Devil, until next time this is the Manchester Minute.
– Evan Ginsburg signing off.
GGMU
Article by new American Red Devil contributor Evan Ginsburg; posted by editor-in-chief Alex.
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