Former Liverpool star John Barnes has claimed Cristiano Ronaldo’s signing has blocked Jadon Sancho’s path at Manchester United.
The debate regarding the usage of some of Manchester United’s high profile stars continues as John Barnes touches on the discussion regarding Jadon Sancho. The former Borussia Dortmund star has found it difficult to nail down a place in Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s team so far this season.
Barnes argues that Manchester United chased Sancho for the best part of two years and now cannot play him. The Liverpool legend pointed towards Cristiano Ronaldo’s arrival late in the window as the primary reason for the England international’s downfall.
Barnes stated that signing Ronaldo was a mistake by Manchester United while speaking to Bonus Code Bets. His comments appeared in the Daily Mail as the former Liverpool star lamented the Old Trafford club’s decision making regarding the transfers of those two players.
Barnes said, “Sancho would have been told that he’s the future, but he’s now a bit-part player. The Sancho signing wasn’t necessarily a mistake. Maybe the Ronaldo signing was a mistake.
“How many main men do you want, rather than having others who can compliment that. The balance of Manchester United isn’t right. Sancho came in for £80m to be one of the main attacking players, but now he’s got to sit on the bench, so how can we see more from him?
“That’s why I feel sorry for him, and Marcus Rashford and Mason Greenwood to a certain degree. Ronaldo and Fernandes dominate the attacking impetus of the team.”
What Barnes says makes plenty of sense from Sancho’s perspective, although Ronaldo has continued to deliver at the biggest stage. He was recently praised directly by Solskjaer, with the Manchester United boss comparing the Portuguese to Michael Jordan.
Many like Barnes have called the signing of Ronaldo into question, while Gabriel Agbonlahor claimed he doesn’t fit into their system. However, as things stand, Ronaldo is not expected to lose his place to Sancho or anyone else in this Manchester United squad, particularly after his game-saving brace against Atalanta.
As for Sancho, he must bide his time with the club and produce his best performance when afforded a chance. Despite being a sporadic player, the English winger has played in 12 games across all competitions without contributing a goal or assist.
