Man Utd should be seriously looking at Haaland and Sancho, says club legend

Robin Bairner

• Updated: 19 May 2021 15:43 BST
• 3 min read

Manchester United should do everything in their power to sign Erling Haaland and Jadon Sancho from Borussia Dortmund.

That is the message sent to them by former winger Lee Sharpe, who was a favourite as the Old Trafford club won the Premier League in 1992/93, 93/94 and 95/96.

A poster boy of the game at that time, Sharpe says that both Haaland and Sancho offer significant upgrades on the other players Man Utd have at their disposal in those areas.

“There are always areas on the pitch you can strengthen as a side and I think the two lads, Haaland and Sancho, currently playing for Dortmund, Man United should seriously be looking at,” he told Ladbrokes.

“Jadon Sancho on the right – I think United are still lacking real quality out in that position.

“Mason Greenwood has filled in and Daniel James has come in and had a good month, but I still think they need to improve on that position if they want to be challenging for titles and Champions Leagues.

“And the other name is obviously Erling Haaland. On his day Anthony Martial can be a world-beater, but he doesn’t have enough of those days. Edinson Cavani, we’ve seen, struggles to stay fit and perform week-in, week-out, whereas Haaland has proven himself over the last few years as one of the best in the world in that position.

“If they were to go out and get those two names in, then they wouldn’t be far off being a real team.”

Man Utd pursued Sancho extensively last summer but ultimately missed out on him. Their prospects of signing him this time around may hinge on Dortmund failing to reach the Champions League.

‘James not a Man Utd level player’

Sharpe offered his opinion on winger James, who he says is not at a level to be performing at such a storied club.

“Daniel James has come from Swansea, jumped up a division to come and play at Old Trafford. He’s still young, he’s raw and he’s got a lot to learn, but he’s just not at the same level as the kind of players United should be looking to sign and start every week, like Jadon Sancho,” he argued.

“If they can bring in Sancho and Haaland, then you don’t need me to tell you they’d have a forward and attacking midfield line as good as anyone’s in the world.”

Man Utd face Manchester City on Sunday in the derby, while Haaland and Sancho will be playing in aa huge match of their own as Dortmund face Bayern Munich in the Bundesliga at the Allianz Riviera.