Man Utd: Pundit discusses Solskjaer's transfer plans
In Tahith Chong, Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer may have his own Jadon Sancho. A player with sublime talent capable of reaching the very top one day. And one who may have to go abroad in order to get regular football in order to help achieve his full potential.
In September 2014, Chong took part in the Manchester Premier Cup at the club’s Carrington training complex.
Then at Feyenoord, the Dutch winger looked impressive. He was one of the standout talents and, consequently, put himself on the radar of club scouts.
United would spend two years watching him closely, seeing him shine for Feyenoord and establish himself as a rising star within the game.
And in 2016 they made their move. Jose Mourinho signed off on the deal, with the forward turning down a move to Chelsea in order to move to Old Trafford.
He accused Feyenoord of ‘failing to make a plan for him’.
And, in the time since, Chong has risen up through the ranks. Make no mistake about it, people at United are excited about him.
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As things stand his athletic, albeit skinny, frame isn’t doing him any favours. He’s able to be pushed off the ball far too easily for the club’s liking.
And it wouldn’t be a surprise if he did what Sancho did in the summer of 2017, albeit on a temporary basis.
Then, the Dortmund star was on the books of Manchester City.
There was interest from Premier League clubs but he chose to leave Pep Guardiola’s team behind in order to chance his arm abroad.
And it’s a decision that has proven to be a masterstroke in the time since.
Sancho has benefitted from the decision to go abroad. He’s become one of the best players on the planet, garnering interest from United in the process.
A spell overseas - albeit a temporary one - could help Chong become one of the best wingers on the planet.
His performances for the club’s academy and reserve sides over the years suggest there’s a talent there that just needs some fine-tuning.
He plays in the same position as Sanho and it’s feasible the duo could become team-mates in the years ahead.
Chong could decide to give himself the best possible chance of reaching the England international’s level by spending time getting regular football under his belt.
And the Bundesliga, which returns this weekend, would be the ideal place for him to go.