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Jadon Sancho could have been replaced by these five players at Manchester United

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by

Khushal
in

Manchester United spent a fortune on Borussia Dortmund winger and long-time transfer target Jadon Sancho last summer. The youngster was poised to be a dominant force at Old Trafford, capable of unlocking stubborn English defenses at will. In the case of the €85 million purchase, things haven’t gone according to plan.

For the 21-year-old, opportunities have come thick and fast, but his performances have been disappointing. He appears clueless about his role and rarely threatens the opposition with his pace and intelligence. Sancho has played in 23 matches for Manchester United so far, scoring two goals.

His disappointing return has drawn heavy criticism from pundits and fans alike, with many claiming United would have been better off investing in other players.

Let’s take a look at five players who could have strengthened Manchester United better than Sancho has this season:

#5 Jude Bellingham – Borussia Dortmund

Manchester United already had so many attacking options that they could have easily gone after a promising central midfielder.

Jude Bellingham, a teenager from Borussia Dortmund, is one of the best in the business. Bellingham, who will turn 19 in June, has already shown his abilities at Dortmund and is capable of improving any team in the world.

The Red Devils could have possessed a capable midfielder last summer if they had focused on stability instead of flamboyance.

Bellingham would have surely helped Old Trafford’s distribution this season, which has been poor.

Reports indicate that Ralf Rangnick’s side has decided to improve their midfield and are keeping an eye on Bellingham. They will have to wait until the summer to start working on a possible transfer.

#4 Achraf Hakimi – Paris Saint-Germain

There is an urgent need for a capable, attacking full-back at Manchester United. Their wing play has become embarrassingly static, and their goal output has plummeted as a result.

United should have signed Inter Milan’s wantaway star Achraf Hakimi when he became available last summer without a second thought. Paris Saint-Germain swooped in instead. In addition to being quick off his line and a great crosser, the right-back is even known to score a goal or two.

In Ligue 1, the former Borussia Dortmund right-back has started almost every match for PSG. Having scored three goals and made as many assists already in the French top-flight, he is expected to contribute double figures.

#3 Erling Haaland – Borussia Dortmund

The Borussia Dortmund ace Erlind Haaland is on everyone’s wishlist right now, including Manchester United. Given the high demand for his signature at the moment, the Red Devils would have been better off signing him last summer.

As of right now, Cristiano Ronaldo and Edinson Cavani are Old Trafford’s primary striker options. Although both forwards are nearing the end of their careers, United will need to find a replacement soon.

Although United can still sign the Norwegian next summer, without a top-four finish, they are unlikely to be able to convince him to join them.

#2 Pau Torres – Villarreal

Currently, Villarreal center-back Pau Torres is one of the most sought-after defenders in the world. His one-on-one skills, ability to intercept the ball, and keen sense of danger make him an ideal defender.

United’s chances of keeping things tidy at the back would have increased greatly if he had been signed last summer.

This season, Harry Maguire has been nothing short of a liability for Manchester United. Football fanatics have heavily criticized him, with many insisting he isn’t up to United’s standards.

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If the Manchester club had paired Torres with Raphael Varane, they would have been in a substantially better position in the league.

#1 Declan Rice – West Ham United

West Ham United has been the dark horse of the Premier League this season. The club is currently fourth in the Premier League table and are giving other top-four contenders a run for their money.

They have had a strong defensive anchor who has single-handedly played a key role in the middle of the park.

Declan Rice is one of the best midfielders in the league since the start of the season. Despite his impulsiveness, he is smart, poised, and knows exactly how to play out of trouble.

This season, United could have benefited greatly from a player of his caliber. Rice’s anchoring in midfield would have allowed players like Pogba to surge ahead and wreck havoc on the opposition’s defense.

Rice is also believed to be on Manchester United’s summer wishlist. Hammers are unlikely to sell their prized asset to a fellow top-four contender, however.