Manchester United were never going to make a move to sign Jadon Sancho during the January transfer window. They like the England international but realised Borussia Dortmund would never sell at such a crucial point in the season. However, the Red Devils will go all-out to land the England international come the summer amid Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s determination to make his side the country’s leading superpower once again.
United have made Sancho their top transfer target for the summer window, having watched the England international thrive over the last 18 months.
The 19-year-old experienced difficulties at Dortmund earlier in the season, falling out with manager Lucien Favre and being dropped for a crunch Champions League clash with Barcelona.
But, since the end of November, he’s been in ridiculous form.
In his last 10 Dortmund matches, he’s scored 10 goals and registered seven assists along the way.
That means, across all competitions, the talented teenager has 12 goals to his name and as many assists as well.
It’s no wonder that United want to secure his signature, with Solskjaer particularly fond.
The Red Devils manager knows his side aren’t good enough going forward at present, with his wingers leaving much to be desired.
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And, curiously, the No 11 shirt remains vacant at Old Trafford despite the recent arrivals of Bruno Fernandes and Odion Ighalo.
At Dortmund, Sancho wears the No 7 jersey.
But United are going to give Alexis Sanchez a second chance to prove himself come the summer – meaning the prospect of the 19-year-old taking on the digit appears remote.
United could have given the No 11 shirt to Fernandes.
He is, after all, a marquee signing. The Portugal international ended up taking No 18 instead, however.
According to reports. Nigeria hitman Ighalo will wear the No 25.
And that means United have the ideal shirt number to give Sancho should they succeed in bringing him in.
With Sanchez expected to stick with the No 7 jersey upon his return, it would certainly make sense.
The No 11 shirt is a big deal at United, having been the kit number worn by Ryan Giggs throughout his time at the club.
Adnan Januzaj and Anthony Martial have both struggled when it comes to doing it justice.
And the fact that neither Fernandes or Ighalo has taken the iconic shirt suggests they’re holding it back.
In an ideal world, Sancho would be wearing it next season.
