Why Jadon Sancho Moving to Striker Could Solve Manchester United’s Goalscoring Woes

The summer transfer window has been kind to Manchester United, but one signing that could prove pivotal in their quest for success is not a new arrival, but someone who was already on the books of the club. Jadon Sancho has been reignited into the side, having returned from his ten-month exile and Erik Ten Hag is considering playing him up front, a move which could prove to be the answer the club’s prayers.

Sancho’s Role in the United Attack

The former Borussia Dortmund man, like his teammate Marcus Rashford, can play in various roles up front and according to Ten Hag, while Rashford has played the role before and delivered, there’s another role where he provides the desired output. Rashford, on the left wing is more productive and when he plays from the left, starting wide before cutting inside, those are the moments when he often scores crucial goals. The United boss also admitted Bruno Fernandes has the ability to play as a striker and with Hojlund injured, those would be two very viable options alongside Sancho upfront.

There have been concerns over Manchester United’s ability to score goals, with the team only managing 57 goals in the Premier League last season, the joint-lowest in the top half. The Red Devils have also struggled to take their chances, with Sancho, Rashford, Scott McTominay, and Mason Mount all guilty of missing good opportunities in the defeat to Liverpool in South Carolina on Saturday.

Ten Hag’s Thoughts on Sancho as a Striker

When asked whether Sancho could start up front against City at Wembley, Ten Hag said, “Yes, otherwise we wouldn’t play with him there.” The Dutch boss further stated that Sancho can play in wide areas and also as a false striker, an option they will consider if they don’t have Rasmus Hojlund’s availability. The Red Devils could also start Sancho up front against Fulham on the opening Premier League weekend of the season ahead of new signing Joshua Zirkzee.

Injuries Galore in the Manchester United Squad

United’s first summer tour game against Arsenal was not only a hard-fought one but also one that had its moment of injury worry. Rasmus Hojlund, one of their most recent signings, pulled his muscle and suffered an injury. This has seen Erik ten Hag consider alternative options that could temporarily deputize in his striking role. It is moments like this that proves Jadon Sancho’s potential to also feature up front is a timely blessing.

Sancho, Arsenal and the Transfer Market

The situation is not entirely alien to Arsenal, after the departure of Emile Smith Rowe and his 17-year-old wonderkid ready to take on the No. 10 jersey, an interesting comparison could be drawn between Arsenal’s handling of youth players and that of Manchester United. Could what Sancho does with United provide valuable lessons for Arsenal, when you consider the likes of Fabio Vieira? Only time would tell.

Emile Smith Rowe - Not a Forgotten Man

Arsenal fans won’t forget the name Emile Smith Rowe so soon. Smith Rowe broke the silence after making the switch to Fulham and in his first game for the club, he scored a goal. This is a development that has left many Arsenal fans wondering if they made a mistake by letting him go. Smith Rowe’s departure from Arsenal has been a subject of discussion among fans and pundits alike, with some questioning the decision to let him go.

The Transfer Market and Its Intricacies

The transfer market is a complex and intricate system, with many factors at play. The decision to let a player go can be influenced by a variety of factors, including the player’s form, the team’s needs, and the availability of other players. In the case of Smith Rowe, it seems that Arsenal felt that they had enough depth in their squad to let him go, but his performance for Fulham has raised questions about whether they made the right decision.

Conclusion

The transfer market is a complex and ever-changing landscape, with many factors at play. The decision to let a player go can be influenced by a variety of factors, including the player’s form, the team’s needs, and the availability of other players. In the case of Jadon Sancho and Emile Smith Rowe, it seems that their respective clubs have made decisions that have raised questions about their futures. Only time will tell if these decisions will prove to be the right ones.

Jadon Sancho

Emile Smith Rowe

Erik Ten Hag

Rasmus Hojlund

Joshua Zirkzee

Marcus Rashford

Bruno Fernandes

Scott McTominay

Mason Mount

Arsenal

Manchester United

Fulham