Why Manchester United should look elsewhere from Jack Grealish

Manchester United have begun their transfer business ahead of the new season.

Manchester United, after sealing their third spot in the Premier League, have already started preparing for the next season as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer eyes bridging the points gap with the two clubs ahead of his side.

To ensure the next stage of rebuild begins on a right note, Manchester United members have chalked out a few reinforcements to raise the existing standards among the current squad members. Jadon Sancho has been a long-term target for the Red Devils.

Solskjaer envisages a potentially world-class attacking trio with the Dortmund star featuring alongside Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford. With dialogues initiated between the clubs, a deal for English superstar could be concluded in a few days.

Having one of the attacking recruitments secured, Man United are then expected to shift their priority towards attacking midfield department- where Aston Villa skipper Jack Grealish is touted as a prime target.

But, striking consensus with the Lions over the transfer fees could be a major sticking point, now, with Aston Villa securing their Premier League status for the next season. The West Midlands club are in no rush to clear their accounts and have reportedly slapped an £80million price-tag on their captain.

With clubs trying to optimise their spending in the current economic climate, it would be wiser for United bosses to seek better options elsewhere. Perhaps, it might be time for reconsidering Donny van de Beek, who has been of interest to Red Devils since last summer.

On this note, let us look at a few reasons why Manchester United should secure the services of Dutch international this summer.

#1 Deal easier to conclude

Donny van de Beek was considered an “official announcement” away from being a Real Madrid player. However, financial implications owing to COVID-19 pandemic has forced Los Blancos to pull the plug on the deal to lure Ajax midfielder this summer.

Sensing an opportunity, Ed Woodward, Man United’s executive vice-chairman, established initial talks with his Ajax counterpart, Edwin van der Sar. The player is keen to leave Amsterdam this summer to seek a new challenge elsewhere.

For Grealish, Man United had preliminary dialogues with Aston Villa in February to seal the transfer before the Birmingham club learnt their relegation fate. However, the communication broke down abruptly due to the lockdown.

Now with Villa securing their top-flight status, the asking price has seen a sharp increase from £45m to £80m, making it highly unfeasible for United to match the valuation of a player in economic status-quo.

Regarding this, it would be much easier for Manchester United to attain the services of Van de Beek, having conducted nascent parley with player’s parent club. Also, there is a minimal difference of £5m in estimates of both clubs with Ajax expecting around £45m for their midfield asset.

#2 Proven European pedigree

Donny van de Beek has been one of the lynchpins of the AFC Ajax side which has knitted a few eye-catching performances in the Champions League for past two seasons. After deployed in a box-to-box role in the 2018/19 campaign, the 23-year-old thrived in a more advanced role this term.

Crucially, Donny van de Beek has mustered prolific attacking output- with 27 goals and 24 assists to his name in past two campaigns- despite varying responsibilities in midfield, underscoring the Holland international’s versatility.

Statistics-wise, Jack Grealish might find himself in the shadows of Ajax equivalent. However, the numbers don’t undermine the player who has captained his boyhood club to promotion and aided them in retaining their Premier League status in consecutive seasons.

But, competing in the lower echelons of league football and elite European competition are two different experiences. And, for Grealish, who is yet to debut in the Champions League, there might be the curious case for Solskjaer to maintain reservations about the player who has earned his admiration since a sublime solo performance in December at the Old Trafford.

Grealish, Van de Beek, or someone else, in all likeliness, the squad is well poised for a quality addition in midfield department this summer.

Who do you think will arrive at the Theatre of Dreams this summer?