Manchester United rekindle interest in long-term transfer target

The success of Manchester United’s season could depend entirely on their Europa League semi-final tie against Roma, with Europe’s secondary club competition now the Red Devils’ only remaining chance of silverware. 

With Champions League qualification almost certainly secured but runaway Premier League leaders Manchester City out of sight, United have little to play for in the league and manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer could be forgiven for focussing all of his efforts on the Europa League in a bid to avoid another trophy less season.

While qualification for next season’s Champions League may have been the aim for this season from the outset, some United fans will feel that they could have managed a better title challenge, and it appears that the club may already be planning ahead to do exactly that next term.

According to 90min, United are set to rekindle their long-term interest in Borussia Dortmund winger Jadon Sancho.

The Red Devils were heavily linked with the England international last summer but were ultimately left disappointed as the 21-year-old stayed in the Bundesliga for another year.

Just as talk of the deal seemed to be going quiet, the speculation has once again arisen and United are reportedly now willing to reenter negotiations with the German side.

The right-wing position is seen as something of a weakness in the current side, with Dan James failing to prove himself regularly.

Last summer, the proposed deal collapsed over United’s reluctance to meet Dortmund’s £100 million asking price for the winger.

It has also been rumoured that United feel that their decision not to meet Dortmund’s demands last summer may pay off in the end, with the German club apparently facing the prospect of having to offload some of their stars in order to make up for lost revenues.

United target Sancho left neighbours Manchester City in 2017.

Dortmund’s financial troubles could be exacerbated if they fail to qualify for next season’s Champions League, which could also mean they are forced to sell start striker Erling Braut Haaland, another player who has been heavily linked with both halves of Manchester.

The report suggests that United were impressed with the former City player’s maturity and attitude during the saga last summer, and he has therefore never left the shortlist of players they want to pursue.

It is also claimed that United are keen on ensuring that they have other options available if a deal for Sancho doesn’t prove viable.

As well as chasing a new winger, it is thought that United are confident of keeping veteran striker Edinson Cavani on their books for another 12 months.

The Uruguayan, 34, was reportedly close to agreeing a deal to return to South America, but the Red Devils are now in a good position to extend the player’s stay after impressing in his first season in England.