The resumption of the Bundesliga at the weekend helped to bring back at least some sort of positivity among football fans around the world. The presence of fans inside a stadium makes the game as attractive as it is.
That not being possible, the players are being forced to simulate the presence of their chief motivators as they look to get the season over the line.
In a remarkable turn of events on Monday, it was decided that Premier League, one of the richest leagues in the world, would begin soon and as a preparatory measure, teams were asked to tell their players to return to training in limited numbers starting Tuesday.
Most of the clubs have nine more games scheduled to play except Manchester City, Arsenal, Sheffield United and Aston Villa, who have ten. In spite of the absence of the fans on the stands, the players will have the support of the fans on television and a lot of twists and turns could still be in store in the games that remain to be played.
As far as Manchester United are concerned, the stakes cannot be higher, as they attempt to secure Champions League football next season.
The preparations for investment in the summer transfer market will begin at once though as the Manchester giants continue with their attempt to restore their lost glory.
The Red Devils have already been linked with different players and Borussia Dortmund winger Jadon Sancho is one name that has been heavily doing the rounds. The youngster has caught everyone’s attention with his performances in the Bundesliga, and clubs across England are eager to make way for his return to the country of his birth.
However, as far as Manchester United are concerned, the club shouldn’t really sign Sancho and here are the reasons behind that.
#1 Manchester United already have players In Sancho’s position
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer showed his far-sightedness when he secured a deal for Daniel James from Swansea City last summer. The youngster has caught the eye of everyone with his pace and has been one of the consistent figures in the playing eleven this season.
In addition to James, the Red Devils also have Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford vying for places in attacking positions, and Jadon Sancho is almost certain to fight for his spot in the starting line-up even if he makes Old Trafford his home.
Former Manchester United striker Dimitar Berbatov warned the youngster about a move to Old Trafford. In an interview to Betfair, the Bulgarian said:
“I don’t know if now is the right time for him to go to Manchester United, I have mentioned it before, I have my doubts here because at United there’s Anthony Martial, Marcus Rashford and Daniel James.”
Dimitar Berbatov
At Dortmund, Sancho has cemented his place in Lucien Favre’s first-team and a move at this stage might not be suitable for both the player and his possible suitors. As has been seen previously in the cases of Angel di Maria and Radamel Falcao, this could be a huge risky deal for the Red Devils at the current point of time.
#2 The prospect of significant investment
A report by Bild in March revealed that the German giants are holding on to a price tag of €140 million for the player. Although the impact of the financial meltdown is going to be deeply felt when the transfer window finally opens, Dortmund are highly unlikely to significantly lower their price for the 20-year-old, who still has two years left in his current contract.
Manchester United executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward has already insisted that the club won’t be able to do usual business in the transfer market in the summer owing to the financial difficulties.
And keeping that perspective in mind, Sancho wouldn’t be as affordable an option as the likes of Jack Grealish.
#3 Adapting to the Premier League is not easy
Dortmund are a club known for identifying young talents from across Europe and taking them to Germany to help them develop. Jadon Sancho is one such instance.
Die Borussen snatched him away from the Manchester City academy and transformed him into a star. However, it is one thing playing in Germany and another in England.
One such instance is Arjen Robben. The Dutch international had his stint at Chelsea cut short with injury but went on to enjoy an elongated career in Germany with Bayern Munich. Standing at 5 feet 9 inches, the youngster already has developed a history with injuries, missing as many as nine games between February and March 2018.
Doubts therefore remain as to whether Sancho can become an instant hit for Manchester United in the Premier League.
#4 Lofty expectations of the Manchester United fans
Dortmund fans are known around the world for their passionate support towards their team.
The South stand’s “Yellow Wall” is famous around the world. However, the Dortmund fans don’t get as easily exasperated with their players as their Manchester United counterparts.
There have been instances wherein the managers and the players have been booed all alike inside the Theatre of Dreams. And if Jadon Sancho fails to live up to the pressure, a disappointment is about to follow.
The Manchester United hierarchy will, therefore, be wary of the fact and will think twice before investing so heavily on the youngster.
From that angle as well, Jack Grealish continues to be a better choice given his proven mettle in the Premier League.
However, as uncertainties continue to ring round the empty stadiums, the summer transfer window looks like a distant reality. Only time will tell what will happen when the final games are played and the transfer window opens. Until then, let’s keep our fingers crossed and hope for the best.
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