Does Greenwood's development make Sancho move obsolete?

Mason Greenwood has handed Manchester United a wonderful dilemma heading into the transfer window. The form of the 18-year-old in the closing stages of the Premier League campaign has been nothing short of sensational. He has arguably outperformed Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial in the final third, although both players have still operated at high standards.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer would have looked to strengthen his side in the summer, especially in the final third. However, the front three have worked so well together and with Bruno Fernandes and Paul Pogba combining from the midfield – why would he choose to break up the strikeforce that could potentially guide the club on a charge for the Premier League crown?

United are on a roll towards the end of the campaign and the momentum created by their charge could be convincing to back them to win the crown next term when betting on the English Premier League. With that front three in place there is the quality to match Liverpool and Manchester City along with Chelsea. The only doubt would be the depth behind them and the ability to retain the same system should one of the trio suffer an injury or suspension.

Reports have suggested that the Red Devils could lure Jadon Sancho to Old Trafford. It would be a brilliant move to sign the Borussia Dortmund forward, which would hand Solskjaer an embarrassment of riches. Sancho is an excellent player and one that should be on the list of targets of every major European team. Solskjaer would be disappointing one of his key men in the final third to accommodate Sancho as the current 4-3-3 formation would not be overly flexible.

The Norwegian could be bold and play with a four-man forward line, but what would that mean for the midfield – the trifecta of Fernandes, Pogba and Nemanja Matic? They have operated like a well-oiled machine, with Pogba and Fernandes dominating the middle of the park, while Matic has been a rock in front of the back four breaking up the play.

Had Greenwood not been as productive, a move to sign Sancho would make perfect sense. It would afford the 18-year-old time to adjust to life in the Premier League. However, given that he has flourished and is on course to break double figures at the time of writing, it makes no sense to halt his development further by reducing his time on the pitch.

A front three that has an outstanding relationship has been the driving force of Liverpool’s surge to their first league crown in 30 years, and will allow the Merseysiders, who are the leading contenders in the English Premier League betting tips, to win the title once again. The partnership between Greenwood, Rashford and Martial looks to building towards having a similar impact for the Red Devils. They have made strides, but there’s still a long way ahead for them – only further time building their relationship on the pitch will improve the strikeforce.

It’s an interesting time for the Red Devils. They gambled with Solskjaer and put faith in their youth system to carry the fortunes of the team in the final third. Between Rashford and Greenwood it appears to have paid dividends. Adding a player of Sancho’s quality would be a statement of intent, although it could also have a detriment of breaking up the trio that has galvanised the club.