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Manchester United have four players in danger as Jadon Sancho transfer nears completion
Manchester United are nearing the signing of Borussia Dortmund star Jadon Sancho.
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Manchester United are edging closer towards a blockbuster deal for Borussia Dortmund star Jadon Sancho. The saga is nearly over, with the England international’s move expected to be confirmed after the European Championships. So while his move is a positive, Express Sport will now take a look at four players who could struggle in the aftermath.
Anthony Martial
United signed Anthony Martial from Monaco in the summer transfer window of 2015, with Louis van Gaal believing the Frenchman had the potential to win the Ballon d’Or one day.
Except the forward, despite having his moments, has come nowhere near living up to his potential.
There’s no denying Martial is a good asset to have but, for a club dreaming of Premier League and Champions League glory, he’s not up to scratch.
The 25-year-old scored just seven goals across all competitions last season and, even before injury struck, had fallen behind Edinson Cavani in the pecking order.
And the arrival of Sancho could see him spend even more time on the bench, something he’ll unlikely put up with for too long.
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Daniel James
Daniel James has enjoyed a positive campaign for Wales at Euro 2020 so far.
But, when it comes to his United future, he’s not expected to get many matches once Sancho comes in.
The Borussia Dortmund star was actually wanted over the former Swansea winger in 2019, only for the club’s failure to secure Champions League qualification to count against them.
James has attracted interest from Brighton and Leeds over the past year and a loan exit could potentially suit all parties.
A good player, undoubtedly, he still has much learning to do if he’s to claim a spot in Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s starting XI on a regular basis.
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Amad
United have extremely high hopes for Amad, who they signed as an alternative to Sancho last year.
However, the Ivory Coast international has struggled for action so far - and the imminent arrival of the Borussia Dortmund star is likely to see that continue.
United are happy with the way Amad has developed so far but know the former Atalanta star is still raw talent, rather than the finished article.
Solskjaer has, at least, given many young guns a chance throughout his spell in charge at Old Trafford.
Yet it’s hard to see Amad featuring on a regular basis when the club have more established stars at their disposal, and another primed to follow.
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Facundo Pellistri
Another winger to arrive at United a year ago, supporters are still waiting to see what Facundo Pellistri can do.
And Sancho being close to moving to the Theatre of Dreams means the Uruguayan is expected to be loaned out again next term.
That’s where things could get tricky for Pellistri because, if he struggles, then his career at United would be in danger.
The 19-year-old failed to score a goal or assist in La Liga from 12 matches with Deportivo Alaves last term.
And Pellistri will need to prove himself, and fast, if he’s to stand a chance at rivalling Sancho for a starting berth in the future.
Manchester United: The first five fixtures of the 2021/2022 campaign
August 14 - Leeds United - Old Trafford
August 22 - Southampton - St Mary’s Stadium
August 29 - Wolves - Molineux
September 11 - Newcastle United - Old Trafford
September 18 - West Ham United - London Stadium.