With the football season drawing ever so closer to the opening day, we caught up with John Barnes to discuss the Manchester United striker issue. Manchester United are scheduled to begin the new season in the Community Shield match against Manchester City on Saturday without a recognized striker after the hamstring injury sustained to Danish striker Rasmus Højlund during pre-season.
The return of Sancho the false nine
United have in fact been busy this summer window having signed French defender Leny Yoro alongside the acquisition of forward Joshua Zirkzee from Bologna. However, the Community Shield game may have come too early for Zirkzee as he is yet to play a pre-season game having returned late to pre-season following the Euro Championships.
United have been forced into trialling Jadon Sancho in a false nine role that he also took on last season during pre season. Prior to his falling out with Erik ten Hag.
“If Jadon wasn’t an option we wouldn’t have played him there,” said Ten Hag.
United don’t need a striker despite number nine quadrum
Interestingly, despite already having two first team strikers on the books, recent reports suggest that Manchester United still have an interest in securing the services of another striker with Ivan Toney said to be on their shortlist. Toney has netted 65 goals and provided 21 assists in 85 Premier League appearances and has 12 months remaining on his current deal.
Barnes, who is a fan of Ivan Toney, isn’t sure if the England international is the answer to some of the issues United currently find themselves facing and despite the lack of striking options available to ten Hag.
“I don’t think signing a striker is the solution to the issues at Manchester United. I think it’s more of an issue for Arsenal who need a presence in the penalty area in terms of the way they play.
“The problem with United is that Onana is overworked which is to do with their shape when they haven’t got the ball. Having the energy and the willingness to work back. I don’t think United need a striker.
“They’ve got Hojlund who is young and has shown some promise this season. Toney are both good players but it won’t solve their issues.”
