As the news surrounding Jadon Sancho rumbles on, Paul Parker has his say. And one thing’s for sure, he won’t hesitate to speak his mind. We sat down with the former Manchester United defender to find out what he thinks about Sancho and who should fill the void.
Sancho Had A Chance To Prove Himself And He Never Did That
What a week it has been for Manchester United’s Jadon Sancho – a week that likely caught us all by surprise. However, it seems his future at the club is now hanging in the balance. Ever since Sancho responded to his manager Ten Hag’s criticism regarding his commitment in training, there have been swirling rumours connecting him to a potential transfer to the Saudi Pro League or a return to Dortmund.
Parker, never one to hold back his opinions about the winger, now contends that Sancho has failed to capitalise on the chances given to him.
“He had a very good chance of proving himself when he came back from his extended holiday but he never did that.”
Parker went on to add that “he (Sancho) didn’t grab that chance and we never saw a change in him. Now, he is trying to do a public fight with the manager and he is never going to win that fight regardless if he is right or not. He might be right but the manager, the players and the fans have lost all respect for him.”
Parker believes that it’s ten Hag’s decision to make and that Sancho could be on his way out of the club.
“It’s all about how Erik ten Hag sees things now. It’s up to him whether he should be given another chance but personally, I think his time is up at Man United.”
Sancho Is Slow And Better Suited To Manchester City
Sancho arrived with great expectations and an impressive record at Dortmund. Over his tenure at the club, he managed to tally an impressive record of 50 goals and 58 assists in 137 matches. Nevertheless, Parker asserts that he was never fully convinced by Sancho and contends that, stylistically, he might be better suited for a team like their rivals, Manchester City.
“I never really believed in him as a player to be honest. From his first day at Man United, I could see that he was never going to be the wide player the fans expected.”
“Fans expected him to be dynamic and full of energy. But he is slow and he plays like a Man City player, which is not what Man United are looking for. I don’t think there is a way back for him now.”
“He has never looked himself in the mirror and given himself the blame. He should realise that it’s his own fault but he doesn’t have this drive about him. I don’t think he has that bit about him that it takes to rejuvenate his career at Man United.”
Pellistri Should Start Over Garnacho
As Manchester United seems to be facing a shortage of options on the right wing, it appears that an opportunity may have arisen for Uruguayan winger Facundo Pellistri. While he has not yet firmly established himself under Erik ten Hag, Parker is unwavering in his belief that Pellistri should now be given the opportunity to stake his claim for the right wing position.
“I would go with Facundo Pellistri over Alejandro Garnacho on the right wing. I think Garnacho has done well when coming off the bench but at this moment I look at him as an impact player.”
Parker goes onto add why Pellistri is his favoured option and says that “Pellistri’s got something about him. He has this willingness and desire to do really well. He makes something out of nothing and he is a workaholic.”
“If he plays on the right wing in front of Wan Bissaka, I think Man United have a right hand side of hard working players who will do very well when Man United doesn´t have the ball.”
Pellistri Should Have Been Given A Chance Ages Ago
Parker suggests that he’s been frustrated by the inclination of wingers like Antony and Sancho to deviate from the traditional winger style of play. He is of the opinion that Rasmus Hojlund could greatly benefit from having a winger like Pellistri, who tends to engage his full-back and deliver crosses into the penalty area.
“I think Pellistri should have been given a chance ages ago and I think he can bring consistency. I think Man United needs a player that can deliver an end product and he is a very efficient player.”
Parker also believes that ‘the team needs a player that will cross the ball instead of taking the tempo out of the team. I think he will be very beneficial for a player like Rasmus Hojlund because a centre forward wants some wide players that crosses the ball whenever he takes a run and Pellistri is a player that can do that.”
“I think Man United needs to give him a run now, instead of Garnacho who hasn’t done enough when he has started the games.”
Sergio Reguilon Could Take Luke Shaw’s Left-Back Spot
One of the more unexpected moves during the summer transfer window was Manchester United’s acquisition of Sergio Reguilón. With both Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia sidelined due to injuries, United faced a shortage in the left-back position. The 26-year-old Spaniard boasts an impressive resume, having participated in 230 matches for clubs such as Real Madrid, Sevilla, Tottenham Hotspur, and Atletico Madrid, in addition to earning six caps for the Spanish national team.
Reguilón has joined Manchester United on a season-long loan from Tottenham Hotspur. Parker holds the belief that the Spaniard could emerge as a significant challenge to Luke Shaw’s prospects as the long-term first-choice left-back at the club.
“I think the fans will see him as dynamic and not predictable at all. Of course, Luke Shaw is injured and it’s very important to have a left footed player in that position.”
“I think there is a very good chance that he could take over that spot and then Erik ten Hag can play Luke Shaw at the left centre half position.”
“When Dalot played the position, Man United had no players that could go wide on the left hand side because Rashford is right footed as well. So, he will have a big chance of making that position his.”
“I think he can be a very good signing and Man United needs a boost in that position. He should definitely start against Brighton because the fans will be fired up a bit. They would like to see something different.”
“That’s why I think Erik ten Hag should start Reguilon, Amrabat and Hojlund. The selection is very important in terms of getting the fans on your side. This is a big game and he needs to give the fans something to cheer about before the game.”
United Favourites For Home Clash
Despite going into their home game against Brighton under a cloud of uncertainty, United remain favourites to win. They’re listed at 6/5 on Fitzdares and 11/10 on Betfred. But this game could go either way. In their last home performance against Forest, they were less than impressive and Brighton will bring more firepower after a thumping win against Newcastle.
The above odds are subject to change, but if you’re interested, then they can be used as a qualifying bet for the Betfred bonus code.
