John Barnes agrees with Graeme Souness that Manchester United should withdraw from the race to sign Jadon Sancho and instead focus on bolstering their squad in other areas.
The Red Devils continue to be heavily linked with a move for Sancho despite Borussia Dortmund insisting last week that the England international would not be sold. Sancho has developed into one of the most coveted players in world football over the past three years and is valued at more than £100million.
While Manchester United remain interested in paying such an amount to secure one of the best talents on the planet, Barnes believes they would be better served strengthening Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s squad in other areas.
The Red Devils enjoyed a largely encouraging season under Solskjaer, finishing third in the Premier League and reaching the semi-finals of the Europa League.
Liverpool legend Barnes said ‘Manchester United have had more than enough firepower and attacking flair in the final third this season; they created loads of chances, won loads of penalties and scored lots of goals.
Former Liverpool and England star John Barnes “That is because of the ability they have going forward. They should be focusing more on bringing in more defensively midfield players. ‘But when you are at Manchester United, you’re always looking to find the best attacking players to find the right balance.
‘If you look at Manchester City, that is something that has worked against them this season and that is why they have signed Nathan Ake and are looking to sign Kalidou Koulibaly.
‘Because as much as City are looking to spend money on great players, having the balance in the team is much better and I don’t think Manchester United have had that balance for a number of years.’
Premier League legend Souness also believes Manchester United should snub the chance to sign Sancho, writing in a column for The Times: ‘
It looks like United will have to spend the best part of £100million to get Sancho in this window and I’m not sure that’s their priority. ‘There are other places they need to strengthen because Mason Greenwood, Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford can score in any company.’
