WAYNE ROONEY has told Manchester United to forget their “odd” Jadon Sancho chase – and focus on signing £100million Harry Kane instead.
The Red Devils have fumbled around with bids for the Borussia Dortmund winger all summer, with the Bundesliga club valuing him at £108m.
Wayne Rooney celebrated scoring a magnificent match-winning free-kick for Derby County at Norwich on SaturdayCredit: Rex Features
Jadon Sancho has been told he won’t leave Borussia Dortmund despite United’s interestCredit: Getty Images – Getty
But United are unwilling to match their valuation, a fee club record goalscorer Rooney, 34, thinks could be better spent on a No9.
Rooney told the Sunday Times: “Why consider paying close to £100million for someone similar to talent you’ve got already?
“United have Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial and where would Sancho’s arrival leave Mason Greenwood, who plays in the same position and is of similar age?
“I’d rather put that £100 million towards trying to get Harry Kane.
“Yes, getting Kane out of Tottenham would be difficult, maybe impossible, but United are a club who should always make an effort to sign the very best players and Kane is exactly what Ole Gunnar Solskjaer needs, as is Erling Haaland, who United missed out on last year — a genuine No 9.
“There are not many who fit that profile and are of elite standard in football right now — yet the chances of United developing into a title-challenging team would be greater if they had such a player.”
Rooney, who scored a beautiful late match-winning free kick for Derby County at Norwich yesterday, thinks that rather than replacing Anthony Martial, a good No9 would compliment the Frenchman.
Harry Kane, right, has long been linked with Manchester United, but there is no way Tottenham will let him go to a Premier League rivalCredit: AFP or licensors
He added: “A Kane or Haaland or someone like Robert Lewandowski would give Rashford and Martial someone to play off and freedom to roam into different areas, pick the ball up and try to beat men — without the burden of always having to score.
“I’ve played with both and believe that kind of freedom suits them best.
“Anthony has been at United for five years; we know his game by now — his strength is taking players on, running with the ball and getting a shot or cross off.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
