Exclusive: John Barnes Discusses Manchester United Transfer Rumours
Last Updated on January 9, 2024
By Jacob Potter 
The January transfer window is now open, and it’s a time when moves and rumours are in full swing as teams plan for both incoming and outgoing transfers. Manchester United appears to be gearing up for some potential moves in this window. We had the opportunity to speak with John Barnes to discuss the ongoing rumours linking Michael Olise to a move to United, as well as the futures of Raphael Varane, Casemiro, and Jadon Sancho.
In this article:
- Olise isn’t necessarily an upgrade on Antony
- Disharmony at United makes Liverpool and City more attractive to Olise
- Casemiro and Varane remain great players claims Barnes
- Dortmund a good move for Sancho
Olise Isn’t Necessarily An Upgrade On Antony
According to reports, Manchester United are showing interest in securing Crystal Palace winger Michael Olise as one of the initial signings during the Sir Jim Ratcliffe era at Old Trafford. Although a move for Olise has been ruled out for January, United has apparently identified the 22-year-old as a transfer target for a planned squad overhaul at the end of the season. It’s worth noting that Olise, a talented winger, had attracted attention from both Chelsea and Manchester City last summer but ultimately opted to sign a new contract with Crystal Palace.
Manchester United’s forward line has faced challenges this season, with Antony being the most prominent disappointment since his £82 million move from Ajax last season. The question arises whether Olise could potentially serve as an upgrade over the current options available to Erik ten Hag.
“Olise isn’t necessarily an upgrade. Just because he’s doing well at Palace doesn’t mean he’s an upgrade on Antony. Things just haven’t worked out for Antony.
“Olise is a confident player who can play for any of the big clubs. There was talk of Manchester City and Liverpool both being interested in Olise.”
Disharmony At United Makes Liverpool And City More Attractive To Olise
Manchester United has been a club plagued by turmoil and various issues in recent seasons. Reports suggest that Erik ten Hag has had disagreements with prominent figures in the team, including Cristiano Ronaldo, Jadon Sancho, and Raphael Varane. Additionally, rumours have circulated about a loss of faith in the manager within the dressing room. With the team already suffering 14 losses in all competitions this season, it’s evident that there is a substantial amount of work to be done before INEOS can successfully turn things around at the club.
Given these ongoing problems, some, including Barnes, believe that such issues should be concerning to potential signings like Michael Olise.
“Him going to United would be him going to a club full of disharmony and a lack of unity so he’s not going to go there and turn Manchester United around.
“United have a much bigger problem so players need to stop going there thinking they will solve the issues at the club.
“There’s a lack of togetherness, belief within the club from the players to the manager to the fans.
“Olise is a fantastic player and as I said, Liverpool and City could be interested in him too and those two clubs are a more likely destination for him. It’s a more attractive proposition because both clubs are stable unlike United.
“Olise would be a great signing for Manchester United, City and Liverpool.”
Casemiro And Varane Remain Great Players Claims Barnes
Casemiro and Varane are two of Manchester United’s prominent stars who are known to be earning substantial wages, and both have been associated with potential moves away from the club. In the case of Varane, United opted not to trigger an extension on his current contract, hoping to negotiate a lower wage agreement. Meanwhile, there have been rumours of interest in Casemiro from clubs in Saudi Arabia.
John Barnes, once again, emphasises the responsibility on Manchester United to address the internal issues at the club and believes both remain great players.
“Both are great players so the fact their moves haven’t worked out the way they wanted doesn’t mean they aren’t great players.
“The harmony and the togetherness of the team is still an issue at United. United have to sort out their internal issues. They are all great players but it just hasn’t worked out. Look at Jadon Sancho. He’s a fantastic player but it just hasn’t worked out for him.
“It’s not necessarily an individual’s fault whether you’re talking about Varane, Casemiro or Sancho.
“It’s a question of the uncertainty at the club. Once they solve those issues like Arsenal and Liverpool have done in recent years, then United will be a stronger force in the future.”
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Dortmund A Good Move For Sancho
Jadon Sancho is currently being linked with a loan move back to Borussia Dortmund, and reports suggest that the move is nearing finalisation. Sancho’s future at Manchester United appears uncertain, especially following his outburst on social media last year. During this incident, the winger publicly dismissed claims from his manager that he was excluded from the squad to face Arsenal due to subpar performances in training.
Sancho may be looking to rejuvenate his career at Dortmund, where he initially made a name for himself. During his previous stint with the club, he notched an impressive record of 50 goals and 64 assists in 137 matches.
“Dortmund is a great move for Sancho. The harmony is good, the togetherness and the fans like him due to his time at the club.
“People won’t treat him like he’s a superstar and Germany is always a great place for young players to go.
“He’s a great player. He’s skillful and intelligent so I would like to see him back in Germany.”
