Erling Haaland or Jadon Sancho?

[Dave Smith]

Neither. There seems to be this obsession on these boards with spending an enormous amount of money on rectifying an area of the pitch where the deficiencies are least pronounced.

Sancho is vastly overpriced and in my opinion no better than rashford or martial - I’m certain rashford would be notching up identical numbers in the BuLi where they’re obsessed with high lines. He gave a precise demo of how much fun he’d have in the BuLi in the Leipzig game.

You already have a kid in Greenwood with the potential in a couple of years to be producing similar numbers to haaland - he is already one of the most effective pure finishers around which is pretty much what haaland brings.

Why not spend the same money on sorting out midfield, the fullback positions, defence where there are gaping issues?

There is also an obvious coaching issue in terms of putting it all together on the pitch and developing the likes of Greenwood which needs to be urgently addressed, but there are plenty of other threads on that topic.

This. Utd need to sort out defence and midfield before they go spunking insane numbers on attacking players. Rashford, Martial and Greenwood are all very good players with a lot of potential and they have Bruno (another good attacking player) behind them. Their is an arguement for some back up players for them, but at the very least a CB, more attacking RB and a mobile CM/No.6 is needed before a CF.

 

[Highfather_24]

Martial, Rashford and Greenwood are all very good forwards. But in the long term, we do need another creative forward(Sancho), and maybe a pure CF(Haaland). So there is need for both types, but we don't have the money to get both(or either). Haaland is possibly cheaper, and is more of a guarantee good signing imo, so we should get him, and let Martial, Greenwood and Rashford fight it out for the other 2 starting places in the XI.

 

[Dan_F]

Haaland is 20. Mason is 19. At some point we’re going to need to decide whether Mason is going to play up top for us or as a wide forward. That would dictate whether we go for a striker or wide forward.

I think a top midfielder (and actual midfielder, not a 10 like Bruno/VDB), would make the most difference. We need the energy of Fred and McTominay, but with better quality on the ball.

 

[Garethw]

Sancho. We need a proper winger that will assist, score and stretch defenders with his ability to run at defenders at pace.

 

[Dave Smith]

Martial, Rashford and Greenwood are all very good forwards. But in the long term, we do need another creative forward(Sancho), and maybe a pure CF(Haaland). So there is need for both types, but we don't have the money to get both(or either). Haaland is possibly cheaper, and is more of a guarantee good signing imo, so we should get him, and let Martial, Greenwood and Rashford fight it out for the other 2 starting places in the XI.

Yes but that is filling in secondary issues. Utd's key issues at the moment are:

1) Lack of pace and ability in the CB pairing.

2) Lack of attacking threat from the RB

3) Lack of control in central midfield, which means that teams go straight from back to front quickly, thus putting more pressure on the CB pairing. Further, the CM do not transition the ball quickly enough which allows opposition teams to quickly set themselves after a turnover (unless the turn over is instigated by one of the front three or Bruno.)

Those issues need to be sorted before any new first XI CF or AM. For sure, get a squad option but sort out CB, CM and RB first.

 

[Offsideagain]

I watched an hour of Dortmund v Muni has. It was so much quicker than the PL, hardly any backwards passing, good control and tempo. I think either player would soon be bored playing the United way. Haaland looks a beast in the making but where would he fit? I agree that the defence needs sorting first.

 

[Highfather_24]

Yes but that is filling in secondary issues. Utd's key issues at the moment are:

1) Lack of pace and ability in the CB pairing.

2) Lack of attacking threat from the RB

3) Lack of control in central midfield, which means that teams go straight from back to front quickly, thus putting more pressure on the CB pairing. Further, the CM do not transition the ball quickly enough which allows opposition teams to quickly set themselves after a turnover (unless the turn over is instigated by one of the front three or Bruno.)

Those issues need to be sorted before any new first XI CF or AM. For sure, get a squad option but sort out CB, CM and RB first.

Agreed. We need a DM who can play line breaking passes, and a CB who is fast and physically strong first. Then we can bolster our attack. Because Mata and James are not good enough backup options.

 

[Dave Smith]

Agreed. We need a DM who can play line breaking passes, and a CB who is fast and physically strong first. Then we can bolster our attack. Because Mata and James are not good enough backup options.

Exactly, until this is done Utd will have the same problems as they do now but with Haaland in the CF position instead of Martial/Greenwood and/or Sancho on the right instead of Greenwood.

The issues with the playing squad are in the defensive positions and not the attacking positions. Sure, a useable AM to rotate in would be handy but that can be filled by much cheaper players.

 

[1nil]

I do not agree with the poll and believe that a creative right winger is what we need to add to this team. Given Sancho’s price though, woody is likelier to buy A.Traore and endorse a protein powder brand.

 

[Superunknown]

Imo, if we're being completely honest, the vast majority of players in our squad are replaceable. We really need upgrading in pretty much every area, bar a few selective positions. If we didn't need upgrading, we would have already made progress and would already be either competing for titles and trophies, or we would already have them.

If we did have a player like Haaland, then we would have to make it work. If that meant that a player like Martial gets benched or moved on, then that's what we would have to do. He looks like a hell of a player and I'd love to see him at our club. Same with Sancho.

 

[Sayros]

The ironic part of this poll is that a player like Haaland wouldn't be successful here like he is in Dortmund without a player like Sancho on the team.

 

[MattofManchester]

We do have problems creating chances, but it also has to be noted that Greenwood's movement to get into goal-scoring opportunities isn't particularly good at first team level. Hopefully that will come (his goal against Leipzig was definitely a sign of that improving), but for now he's an amazing finisher that scores most of his goals from the edge of the box as his movement hasn't been good enough to get behind the defenders on a regular basis. Haaland is far better at that aspect, indeed he's already one of the best around and arguably the best I've ever seen at such a young age. He won't find it as easy here because of our lack of creativity but he'd still score many more 'tap-ins' than any of our other strikers.

Speaking of movement, I don't think Halaand would do as well with less space in behind, but I still think he'd do better than Martial because of his movement.
If it's one thing all of our strikers lack, it's movement. They're all very static.

 

[ElMatador]

There is no release clause im Haaland contract, Dortmund announced that a few days ago.
And Haaland was not paid 20M, total amount was 43M.
15M to Raiola and 8M to Haalands dad, thats is the reason why he went to Dortmund because other clubs didnt want to pay those fees to agent and dad.
Haaland will in the next 2-3 seasons go for 150M+, mimimum..

 

[HisNameIsEarl]

There is no release clause im Haaland contract, Dortmund announced that a few days ago.
And Haaland was not paid 20M, total amount was 43M.
15M to Raiola and 8M to Haalands dad, thats is the reason why he went to Dortmund because other clubs didnt want to pay those fees to agent and dad.
Haaland will in the next 2-3 seasons go for 150M+, mimimum..

Only in parts correct. The release clause (of 75M€) is invalid until 2022, if I understood correctly.

 

[GlasgowCeltic]

When I watch Sancho he looks like a combinations type player in the Hazard kind of style, to me he looks awkward playing on the right rather than off the left and it would’ve caused a problem if he’d signed, albeit i still definitely would’ve signed him

 

[troylocker]

How good is Haaland in a packed box?

We all know he can run in behind, but that's Rashford and Martial's forte already. In fact, Rashford just recently gave a masterclass against Leipzig when they pushed up stupidly. If Haaland is as deadly in front of a low block as he is in a high line, then him for sure.

As for Sancho, I'm still not convinced his attributes will translate well to Man Utd in the Premier league.

Haaland works very well against low blocks as well. His direct playingstyle and movement opens up spaces and corridors against teams sitting low, and he can do stuff like the last one in this (recent NT match against Romania).....

 

[troylocker]

Haaland's seems such a strong character - does miss quite a few sitters though, however, you could argue that his runs are what creates those chances.

He did miss some great chances against Bayern, but that is very unlike him. He has the best conversionrate in Europe and scores from more than 1/3 of his shots, so missing sitters is not among the most accurate description of him. Not missing them would be more accurate, as his finishing is second to none.

 

[do.ob]

Haaland works very well against low blocks as well. His direct playingstyle and movement opens up spaces and corridors against teams sitting low, and he can do stuff like the last one in this (recent NT match against Romania).....

He has some skills to compensate for his technical deficits, but in the end he's just "okay" against a well organized and passive defense.

 

[golden_blunder]

He's nowhere near Ronaldo or van Basten talent-wise, I'm not sure how he's supposed to reach their level (and outperform them). He simply doesn't have the technique required.
He's probably going to end up as the best number 9 of his generation if all goes right, which is a no small thing, but there's no chance for him to become the "best in history".

IF he was to keep up his current scoring rate then you’d be talking about Ronaldo & Messi territory- goals wise. However he’s only 20, so anything could happen to derail his career.

 

[harms]

IF he was to keep up his current scoring rate then you’d be talking about Ronaldo & Messi territory- goals wise. However he’s only 20, so anything could happen to derail his career.

I think that there's a certain ability level that you have to possess to be able to even compete for that status – and I don't think that he possesses it even in theory. I guess if he keeps scoring like he does for ten years, he'll force himself into the conversation anyway.

 

[Chief123]

There is no release clause im Haaland contract, Dortmund announced that a few days ago.
And Haaland was not paid 20M, total amount was 43M.
15M to Raiola and 8M to Haalands dad, thats is the reason why he went to Dortmund because other clubs didnt want to pay those fees to agent and dad.
Haaland will in the next 2-3 seasons go for 150M+, mimimum..

He does have a clause. Dortmund confirmed he doesn’t have any clause for 2021. But his 65m release clause is active from 2022. So whoever gets him will pay no more than this unless they make a crazy offer this summer.

 

[Ronaldo's Mum Eh?]

Haaland by a far distance.

 

[BlueHaze]

Both of them and Poch as manager and I'd count us in for at least a title challenge.

Get rid of Pogba and get Grealish too. Fantasy football I know...

But them 3 would make our offence a real threat against anyone.

 

[Pav1878]

Haaland

 

[ElMatador]

He does have a clause. Dortmund confirmed he doesn’t have any clause for 2021. But his 65m release clause is active from 2022. So whoever gets him will pay no more than this unless they make a crazy offer this summer.

I am pretty sure they will sign new contract without that clause, because that clause doesnt make any sense, he is already worth 80M.
In 2022, i bet he will be worth somewhere beetwen 140-170M..

 

[noodlehair]

Sancho a winger will take minutes from young striker Greenwood. Ok.

But Haaland a striker won’t take minutes from young striker Greenwood?

I think Greenwood is better off on the right for the time being anyway. In the middle he just doesn't have the physicality or experience yet. Haaland is the type of player who is just built to play in that role so it'd be less of an issue.

More to the point though I just don't think Sancho is half as good as people seem to think. I could see him easily becoming another problem here, because he's another player that people have pinned so much on that they will just blame everything except him if he doesn't perform to the ridiculously unrealistic standards they set for him. People on here seem to think he should play for England over Rashford or Sterling...just no. I've seen pundits say stuff like "He's the next Neymar"...I honestly have no idea where any of this comes from.

And even more to the point we already could have signed Haaland in January but chose not to, so we will be getting either Sancho or more likely neither.

 

[Chief123]

I am pretty sure they will sign new contract without that clause, because that clause doesnt make any sense, he is already worth 80M.
In 2022, i bet he will be worth somewhere beetwen 140-170M..

Of course Dortmund would want him to sign a contract without the clause, but for Haaland it wouldn’t make much sense unless he actually does wish to stay at Dortmund. If he does have a desire to leave within next 2 years, then I don’t see him signing a new contract which would eliminate the clause. Especially when all the big clubs in Europe will offer him substantially more.

 

[groovyalbert]

Haaland is made for the PL

 

[cyberman]

I am pretty sure they will sign new contract without that clause, because that clause doesnt make any sense, he is already worth 80M.
In 2022, i bet he will be worth somewhere beetwen 140-170M..

So he is trapped ala Sancho when he wants to leave? His team didnt ask for that clause for no reason..

 

[stevoc]

I think Greenwood is better off on the right for the time being anyway. In the middle he just doesn't have the physicality or experience yet. Haaland is the type of player who is just built to play in that role so it'd be less of an issue.

More to the point though I just don't think Sancho is half as good as people seem to think. I could see him easily becoming another problem here, because he's another player that people have pinned so much on that they will just blame everything except him if he doesn't perform to the ridiculously unrealistic standards they set for him. People on here seem to think he should play for England over Rashford or Sterling...just no. I've seen pundits say stuff like "He's the next Neymar"...I honestly have no idea where any of this comes from.

And even more to the point we already could have signed Haaland in January but chose not to, so we will be getting either Sancho or more likely neither.

Id actually agree that Haaland is more suited to being a centre forward in the PL right now.

I haven’t personally seen enough of Sancho to say whether or not he’ll definitely be a world beater. But I have seen enough to say he’s definitely a much better right winger than Greenwood is capable of being. I don’t think mason has enough in his locker to be able to provide the type of width and creativity we need from the right.

 

[noodlehair]

Id actually agree that Haaland is more suited to being a centre forward in the PL right now.

I haven’t personally seen enough of Sancho to say whether or not he’ll definitely be a world beater. But I have seen enough to say he’s definitely a much better right winger than Greenwood is capable of being. I don’t think mason has enough in his locker to be able to provide the type of width and creativity we need from the right.

Greenwood has something better for me which is a direct goal threat. He isn't a natural right winger and doesn't play like one, but if he gets time to turn anywhere near the opposition goal he's lethal and when you have three forwards providing a direct threat on goal it makes it very difficult for the opposition to pick them all up. Ideally we'd have someone like Sancho as an option to have a more natural right winger, but £100m is a lot of money to pay for an option. Where as the fee for Haaland would have been pittance to provide us with a different type of goal threat. If we signed him in January for the fee he was available for we could still have bid for Sancho anyway.

Sancho for me. I've watched him plenty now and although he's a good player, I'm far from convinced how good. He reminds me of the type of player Wenger used to love, where every touch would be silky and the technical ability would be at a very high level, but ultimately there's nothing giving them that real cutting edge. Particularly not in a really tough league. It makes me laugh when I see people talk about him playing instead of Rashford because there's just no fecking way. He is still very young of course and does seem quite level headed so it's all ifs and buts because there's no telling how he might develop...though same applies there to Haaland and Greenwood, and the cutting edge is very much there with both of those.

 

[Cloud7]

I am pretty sure they will sign new contract without that clause, because that clause doesnt make any sense, he is already worth 80M.
In 2022, i bet he will be worth somewhere beetwen 140-170M..

Pretty sure the whole reason they agreed that clause was so that he could move on after a couple years at Dortmund.

With the way things went with Sancho I can see more young players trying to get clauses put in before signing for Dortmund.

 

[stevoc]

Greenwood has something better for me which is a direct goal threat. He isn't a natural right winger and doesn't play like one, but if he gets time to turn anywhere near the opposition goal he's lethal and when you have three forwards providing a direct threat on goal it makes it very difficult for the opposition to pick them all up. Ideally we'd have someone like Sancho as an option to have a more natural right winger, but £100m is a lot of money to pay for an option. Where as the fee for Haaland would have been pittance to provide us with a different type of goal threat. If we signed him in January for the fee he was available for we could still have bid for Sancho anyway.

Sancho for me. I've watched him plenty now and although he's a good player, I'm far from convinced how good. He reminds me of the type of player Wenger used to love, where every touch would be silky and the technical ability would be at a very high level, but ultimately there's nothing giving them that real cutting edge. Particularly not in a really tough league. It makes me laugh when I see people talk about him playing instead of Rashford because there's just no fecking way. He is still very young of course and does seem quite level headed so it's all ifs and buts because there's no telling how he might develop...though same applies there to Haaland and Greenwood, and the cutting edge is very much there with both of those.

Greenwood is a lethal striker of the ball no doubt especially from outside the box. Between that and his ability to hold onto the ball I wouldn’t mind seeing him get a run behind the striker if Fernandes was missing. But as a right winger I would personally prefer a more natural winger to add some variation to our play to help us stretch teams. As wan bissaka isn’t much of an attacking threat down that side.

And Haaland would have been a great signing last January but if it’s true he wanted a buy out clause in his contract. Then I’m with the club on passing on the opportunity.

 

[TRossManUtd8]

Haaland for me... We seem to have a young player in Greenwood who is having a hard time with dedication and focus. That also seems to be Sancho's problem this season. I personally do not want more distractions at United, we have plenty with team Pogba around. That being said, I am not up to par on the type of person Haaland is.

 

[Dave Smith]

Haaland for me... We seem to have a young player in Greenwood who is having a hard time with dedication and focus. That also seems to be Sancho's problem this season. I personally do not want more distractions at United, we have plenty with team Pogba around. That being said, I am not up to par on the type of person Haaland is.

Haaland has a great work ethic and dedication to the sport. The boy has stepped up everywhere he has gone as has made progressive improvements to his game. I am fully confident he will be the next Lewa. However, he will be a Lewa in a world were there aren't many WC CF's in the generation above him (Kane is possibly the only one, depending on how high you rate him) and not many if any that have so far broken through in his generation (17-23 year olds).

 

[lex talionis]

With all due respect to Martial, Haaland is the goal scoring beast we just don't have and really need (we all assumed Martial would take the next step up). Sancho is on my wish list as we desperately need a proper RW, but if the choice is between Erling and Jadon, it's an easy call: Erling Haaland.

But there's no public indication of any interest on the part of Erling to leave Dortmund anytime soon, so this would seem a moot point.

 

[Champagne Football]

The ship has sailed for both of them. We definitely won't be buying either of them now. Haaland and Raiola no doubt will use us again to get a better deal at Real Madrid when it's time to move.

You'd have to think one of Charlie McNeil, Hugill or Garnacho will make it at Utd. All massive talents. Then add that to Shoretire who is expected to probably make it here, And Diallo, then we might be okay up front without needing monster signings.

Draxler will be available on a free come the summer. Might be worth a punt.

Then if we're signing a striker next summer, then Raul Jiminez or Calvert-Lewin might come into the conversation.

 

[davidmichael]

We have nothing offensively on the right hand side and this has been an ongoing problem for maybe a decade so regardless of the poll I’m going to say I’d go with Sancho over Haaland.

Expecting Greenwood at 18-19 after one full season to consistently be our saviour on the right was short sighted and naive of anyone who thought that’d be the case, Mata isn’t a realistic option other than the odd game either.

Yes Haaland scores a lot of goals but look at the support he has in creating those chances, would he get that for us ? I don’t think he would in our current set up. AWB offers nothing on the right (I find it mental he was originally a right winger) offensively but what AWB would offer is a solid defensive base behind Sancho for Sancho to focus solely on things up top and I think with Sancho and Rashford flanking Martial or Cavani or Greenwood with Fernandes in behind we’d be perfectly balanced and score/create bundles.

 

[dal]

Haaland is spelt Haland on the poll -fyi.

 

[jamesjimmybyrondean]

Haaland. Of course we need a right winger but If you look around there aren't much world class strikers not to talk of a 20 year old already looking world class