Pranav Nair
Manchester United are one of the few teams who can afford Lionel Messi
According to Sky Sports transfer expert Kaveh Solhelkol (h/t Daily Star), Manchester United’s pursuit of Jadon Sancho has not been affected by the availability of Lionel Messi.
The Red Devils have been long-term admirers of the Borussia Dortmund winger. They have however failed to make any headway in negotiations with the German giants.
Dortmund are holding firm on their valuation of £110m for the 20-year-old. Ed Woodward finds the price too steep for his liking but is still working on a deal.
This is despite the German side’s admission that the player will stay. Sancho is currently with the Dortmund side as they undergo their pre-season.
A new chapter threatened to open up with Barcelona legend Lionel Messi admitting his intention to leave the club. According to the report, this has not turned United’s head.
The Red Devils remain one of the few clubs who can actually afford the 33-year-old Argentine. Despite that, the club is intent on working out a deal on Sancho instead.
“Our information is that they’re No 1 target remains Jadon Sancho but of course potentially, Manchester United do have the finances to be able to do a deal.”
More than just a strong XI
Ole Gunnar Solskajer ensured United finished third in the league last season. Despite ensuring Champions League qualification, United have been slow in the transfer market.
With the new season just over two weeks away, the club is yet to make a single addition to the first-team. Despite having a solid first XI, the lack of strength in depth remains a serious concern.
This was on display in the last two months as we struggled to see out games. With another potentially long season ahead of us, United cannot hope to remain competitive with a thin squad.
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Messi is undoubtedly one of the greatest players to grace the game. However, at 33, he is nearing the end of his career. Despite still being able to win matches single-handedly, United’s problems are not such that they can be solved by bringing in one player.
Sancho would not solve all our problems either. However, he is an upcoming superstar who could go on to become a world-beater.
The era of Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo is coming to a close. United will do well to build for the upcoming eras than waste time reliving nostalgia.
