Man Utd issue spanning ‘a number of years’ reason to ditch Sancho pursuit

Jadon Sancho

An outspoken pundit has pinpointed a long-standing Man Utd issue as a huge reason why the club should abandon their interest in Jadon Sancho.

The Red Devils’ pursuit of the Borussia Dortmund winger has become the main transfer story of the summer.

Early reports suggested the club had agreed personal terms with the player, though these claims were recently debunked.

Regardless, Man Utd retain a strong interest in bringing Sancho to Old Trafford, but ex-Liverpool legend John Barnes believes the enormous fee required to seal the deal would be better spent elsewhere.

Barnes insisted Utd already have all the firepower they need, and would instead be wiser to shore up the defensive side of their game.

“Manchester United have had more than enough firepower and attacking flair in the final third this season,” said Barnes.

“They created loads of chances, won loads of penalties and scored lots of goals. That is because of the ability they have going forward.

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“They should be focusing more on bringing in more defensively minded players.

“But when you are at Manchester United, you’re always looking to find the best attacking players to find the right balance.”

 

Barnes: Man Utd squad lacks balance

One of the key factors behind Liverpool’s march to their first ever Premier League title was their watertight defence while the title was still in the balance.

Main challengers Man City struggled defensively amid Aymeric Laporte’s injury absence, and Barnes would like to see Man Utd bolster their defensive ranks as City have done with Nathan Ake.

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Barnes continued: “If you look at Manchester City, that is something that has worked against them this season and that is why they have signed Nathan Ake and are looking to sign Kalidou Koulibaly.

“Because as much as City are looking to spend money on great players, having the balance in the team is much better and I don’t think Man Utd have had that balance for a number of years.”

Meanwhile, a ‘serious bid’ has been mooted after Man Utd chief Ed Woodward floated the idea of a £40m raid on Ake’s former club Bournemouth.