Pranav Nair
Manchester United look set to choose between Jadon Sancho and Cristiano Ronaldo this summer
Speaking on the Transfer Window Podcast (h/t The Express), Duncan Castles has revealed that Manchester United are keeping tabs on both Jadon Sancho and Cristiano Ronaldo.
However, the Red Devils only plan to sign one of the two this summer. A major reason for this is Mason Greenwood’s versatility that allows him to do a job up front and also out on the wing.
Castles goes on to add that there is a clear indication that United are in the market for a striker. While Erling Haaland does feature in our wish list, a move for him looks unlikely this summer.
“They have an interesting setup in that they’re looking both for a centre-forward and for a right-sided forward, but they will probably only sign one of those.”
Bringing in Sancho is likely to see United move Greenwood up front and occupy the same position as Edinson Cavani. Interesingly, Castles mentions that such a move could see Anthony Martial move out.
“Should they bring Sancho, or another top-quality right-winger in, Mason Greenwood would move into a centre-forward role, sharing the position essentially with Edinson Cavani.”
However, if United were to make a move for a centre-forward instead, it will see Greenwood shunted out to the right. The youngster will compete on the flank alongside Daniel James and Amad Diallo. It would be fair to assume that the loser in the whole ordeal is Martial.
“If instead they go for a quality centre-forward, then Mason Greenwood would stay on the right-hand side and share that position with the emerging Amad Diallo and Dan James.”
While Sancho is a pure winger, the same cannot be said of Ronaldo anymore. Although he started out as one, he is today a striker and has done well for himself. Given Castles’ assertions, it is unlikely that United will sign both players.
More Manchester United News
- Real Madrid lower the asking price for Manchester United target Raphael Varane
- Boost for Manchester United as Sergio Ramos prepares for Real Madrid exit
- Rio Ferdinand expects Manchester United players to talk Harry Kane into making Old Trafford switch
Of the two, Sancho would be the better option given his age and potential. While Ronaldo will certainly add to our firepower, he is on the wane and could give us maybe two years at best. With Greenwood showing a clinical nature, it makes more sense for us to hone his abilities up front than out wide.
