The Hard Tackle lists three candidates Manchester United should consider to replace Jadon Sancho, who faces an uncertain future at Old Trafford.
Fate has a cruel way of doing a U-turn. One minute, a player can be on top of the world; the other, he cannot do anything right and finds himself staring at the ceiling in the dark. Jadon Sancho is one player who has seen his fortunes plummet in the last few weeks.
The Englishman could do no wrong during his stint with Borussia Dortmund, which made him one of the most highly sought-after players in the market. Manchester United chased him for multiple transfer windows before securing his services 27 months ago in 2021.
The Red Devils had to pay a pretty penny to prise him away from Borussia Dortmund. And after his exploits at the Bundesliga club, Manchester United fans would have thought he would have solved their long-standing right-wing issues. But he has failed to hit the heights of his famous Dortmund stint.
The 23-year-old has been a pale shadow of his former self, struggling to match his output at Old Trafford. Things have gone from bad to worse for the Englishman, who has become a peripheral figure at Manchester United after a bust-up with Erik ten Hag.
The Dutchman has banished the former Borussia Dortmund attacker from the first-team squad. A stickler for discipline, the Manchester United boss has not tolerated Sancho’s statement about becoming a scapegoat.
Meanwhile, a January exit seems likely for Sancho, who wants to resurrect his career by ending his Manchester United nightmare. With that in mind, The Hard Tackle lists three players the Red Devils should consider to replace the 23-year-old English international at Old Trafford.
Nico Williams
We MUST act in the January window regarding Nico Williams, whether that is regarding a pre contract agreement for a summer move, a January bid or enquiring about his contract status. We must do something
– Two Footed
– Excellent Dribbler
– Top 1v1 threat
– increasing output… pic.twitter.com/gnlEzyaCfP— EverydayMUFC2 (@EverydayMUFC22) October 16, 2023
Our list starts with a Spanish international with a burgeoning reputation. Such has been his progress that he has attracted the who’s who of European football. We are talking about Athletic Club whizkid Nico Williams.
The younger brother of Inaki Williams, Nico has hit the ground running at San Mames, becoming a pivotal figure for Los Leones. Meanwhile, his progress has captured the attention of several high-profile clubs, including Barcelona and Liverpool.
Manchester United should be all over the 21-year-old, who has four assists in six games this term. The Spanish international will add directness to the Manchester United attack. In addition, the youngster’s penchant for providing threatening crosses will make him the ideal foil to Rasmus Hojlund and his late runs.
But a move might be a tall order, with recent reports claiming Williams is on the verge of signing a new contract with Athletic Club. However, that has never stopped clubs from chasing someone’s signature and should not deter Manchester United.
Pedro Neto
Attacking return after attacking return 🔥
You have to go back to Gameweek 2 for the last time Pedro Neto blanked ❌#FPL pic.twitter.com/hb2NeTX1DU
— Fantasy Premier League (@OfficialFPL) October 19, 2023
We move onto a target closer to home for Manchester United. This player has carried the hopes of Wolverhampton Wanderers this season after a sub-par summer transfer window. We are talking about Pedro Neto.
The Portuguese international has had his fair share of frustrations at Wolverhampton Wanderers. But he has overcome those issues to establish himself as a talismanic figure for the Black Country outfit. Meanwhile, Pedro Neto is a target for Arsenal, who will look to land him in January.
In addition, he was also the subject of a scouting mission by Liverpool during the international break. So, Manchester United will face stiff competition for his signature from fellow Premier League clubs. Nonetheless, the Red Devils need a player of Neto’s quality.
The 23-year-old has a burst of pace that can add a layer to Manchester United’s offensive gameplay. In addition, he does not shy away from taking on the opposition defenders, making him a direct threat in the final third. These characteristics are sorely missing at Manchester United, who should make a move for Neto as soon as possible.
Serge Gnabry
When Gnabry owned Barcelona pic.twitter.com/CKYEVVgiJu
— Leroy sané (@xLeroysane10) October 19, 2023
Our list ends with a player who, unlike the other two candidates, is at the peak of his powers and can hit the ground running. He might also have unfinished business in the Premier League. We are talking about Serge Gnabry.
Leroy Sane, recently the subject of interest from Liverpool, was another name in consideration. But a move for the German international might be complicated due to his past association with Manchester City. So Sane’s compatriot and Bayern Munich teammate gets the nod.
Gnabry is a versatile attacker who can play across the frontline, thus making him an attractive target for Manchester United. In addition, he is productive in the final third and can help take the goalscoring burden off Marcus Rashford and Rasmus Hojlund.
Interestingly, Gnabry has been a part of the Premier League previously but failed to make his mark for Arsenal. So, the 28-year-old is a viable candidate to replace Sancho and elevate the level of the Manchester United attack.
