Manchester United look to Ismaïla Sarr as Sancho alternative

Is Sarr on the way to Manchester United?

The Jadon Sancho chase has not gone the way Woodward and Co thought it would, leaving Manchester United at a  transfer crossroads with the end of the transfer window fast approaching.

Numerous names have been linked to the Red Devils as wing alternatives including Kingsley Coman, Diego Costa and Ousmane Dembélé but according to recent reports from the The Telegraph, Manchester United have turned their attention to Watford winger Ismaïla Sarr.

The Senegalese international was high on the list of Liverpool before they completed the signing of Wolves winger Diogo Jota leaving the door open for United to make a bid.

What would Sarr bring though to the side?

Sarr is a quick, skilful and direct winger, comfortable on the left and right but has more than enough talent to fill a role as a forward in any team that he plays for.

At Watford Sarr featured 29 times in the League and was stationed on the right hand side of the attacking 3 in a 4-2-3-1 formation, in very similar fashion to how Manchester United line up under Solskjaer.

The winger was tasked defensively with protecting his side’s right back by tracking the opposition full back runs and then being ready to aid the team counter attacking by getting up quickly in support of the striker when an attacking move broke down.

In attack, Sarr would look to hug the side-line stretching the opposition defence and affording him space to gather the ball and attack as quickly as possible, looking to get in a cross or shot at goal. Watford would often employ a long diagonal ball to find Sarr and the same option would be available to Manchester United.

In an ultimately doomed Watford side, the young winger managed a decent return scoring five goals and contributing four assists and if surrounded by better players could easily increase this output.

The Senegalese international was aggressive in his forward runs, regularly getting to the far post to attack crosses or open attacking lanes by looking to exploit the space in between and behind the centre-back and fullback on the side he was playing.

Two of his standout performances came against Manchester United and Liverpool last season and showcased what his game was about.

His style of play is a contrast of comfort on the ball and in the face of pressure but has an added element of the unpredictable, in that the winger acts instinctively when trying to beat an opponent and is always confident in dribbling past his marker.

Sarr has all the tools to be a wonderful addition to Manchester United but there is areas to work on to unlock his star potential. For example, he managed a total of 44 shots on goal last season only landing 13 on target.

Ole Solskjaer has come in for some recent criticism but has done an excellent job in bringing the best out of Anthony Martial up front and would relish the chance to work with some who has the talent of Sarr.

The Red Devils have identified right wing as a major area of concern and Sarr would help strengthen this position immediately. There are more than a few shades of Sadio Mané in the way the winger plays and how United would welcome a player like him in their attack.

As we near the end of the transfer window, we will see if United make a move to land their man. One thing is for certain, signing Ismaïla Sarr could turn out to be a master stroke.

Would you like to see Sarr lining up at The Theatre of Dreams?