The summer transfer window has been a real rollercoaster of a ride for Man United. So far, the Red Devils have signed Jadon Sancho and Tom Heaton as first-team acquisitions. They have, however, been linked to more than a hundred players. That includes 34 stars who participated in the Euros.
Some links should be taken seriously, while others should are mere speculation. However, despite all the rumours, not every player linked with the club can make a huge impact. In fact, a few linked players could actually fall flat if United go through with their signings.
The last thing United want is to come to another Alexis Sanchez situation. The Chilean was signed from Arsenal and given huge wages but ended up being a flop at Old Trafford. Nobody wants to repeat that disaster anymore. So here are 5 targets that should be avoided.
Danny Ings
Now this is a transfer link that just doesn’t go away. With Southampton striker Danny Ings moving into the final year of his contract, United are said to be interested to sign him up for free next year. However, he really isn’t the solution to any of the club’s problems upfront.
Ings won’t be an upgrade over Edinson Cavani, who is likely to leave next season. He might’ve scored 34 Premier League goals over the last few seasons, but that is because the entire Southampton attack revolves around him. He’s unlikely to get that special treatment with the likes of Bruno Fernandes, Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho in the attack.
Ings isn’t the most mobile, creative centre-forward around and isn’t getting any younger. The 28-year-old is nearing his declining years and is quite injury prone (suffered 3 injuries last season). Because of fitness issues, he probably won’t be able to keep up with United’s rapid-fast attacks. Even if he comes for free, United could instead divert the money they’d pay on his wages on better alternatives.
Probability of being the new Sanchez: 7/10
Antoine Griezmann
Barcelona are reportedly trying to sell Antoine Griezmann to free up their messed-up wage bracket for next season. As per Spanish outlet Sport, United are among the clubs who could be his potential future destination. However, this is a move that shouldn’t be considered anymore.
First and foremost, it's because of his wages. The Frenchman almost earns £600,000-a-week - which is incredibly high. Moreover, United already have one of the best attacking midfielders in the world in Bruno Fernandes, who produced incredible numbers last season, scoring 28 goals and registering 17 assists.
Signing him would be as foolish as signing Sanchez was in 2017, even though Anthony Martial and Rashford were performing well. Because of the fact that he’s never played outside Spain, Griezmann could struggle to impress in the Premier League.
Probability of being the new Sanchez: 7.5/10
Samuel Umtiti
Another Barcelona star being linked to United is Samuel Umtiti. Spanish outlet El Gol claim that the Red Devils could be offered the defender for an extremely cheap price. But even with that, he isn’t worth it.
Over the last few years, Umtiti has spent more time on the treatment table than on a football pitch. In the last two seasons, he’s missed over 250 days through injury. He’d only be a partner for Phil Jones on the injury treatment table if signed.
Moreover, Umtiti is slow and well past his best. He’ll only end up being a waste of money & resources for United and do nothing at all to fix any of our problems.
Probability of being the new Sanchez: 9/10
Cristiano Ronaldo
With Juventus reportedly looking to get him off their financial books, Cristiano Ronaldo has been linked with a move back to United again this summer. However, there are multiple downsides to this potential deal. The Portuguese winger is said to earn around £900,000-a-week at Juve, something United can’t afford.
Even if he takes a 50% pay cut, that amount would still be too high. Giving him huge wages can destabilize the wage bracket at United. Moreover, Ronaldo is too intent on the attacking style be played around him – something that can hinder the development of the bright young attackers.
While Ronaldo probably won’t be a ‘flop’ at United because of his past Premier League experience and overall quality, his signing could bring too many future complications which are better to be avoided.
Probability of being the new Sanchez: 6/10
Kieran Trippier
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is claimed to want a new right-back this summer and has targeted Kieran Trippier as a perfect alternative to Aaron Wan-Bissaka. However, Trippier isn’t the kind of right back who can elevate United to another level.
While he is very good at crossing and set-pieces, he struggles defensively and is nowhere near as solid as Wan-Bissaka. Moreover, Atletico Madrid are asking too much (over £35m) for a 30-year-old defender.
Trippier might not be as big a disaster as Sanchez was at United, but he won’t be of any use as a long-term prospect either (unlike someone like Wan-Bissaka or Diogo Dalot) and should be avoided.
Probability of being the new Sanchez: 7/10
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