The summer long saga that has been Manchester United’s pursuit of Jadon Sancho has taken a new turn with the club now considering alternatives to the Borussia Dortmund winger, their refusal to meet his well-documented asking price leading towards a desperate late dip into the transfer market.
There are just days remaining of the transfer window and a new right-sided attacker is yet to arrive through the doors at Old Trafford, with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer sure to be frustrated by the lack of competence from the United hierarchy this summer.
After Dortmund – quite rightly – took a no-nonsense approach to United’s negotiating tactics and attempts to drive down Sancho’s asking price, the much maligned Ed Woodward is now reportedly fluttering his eyelashes in the direction of Barcelona star Ousmane Dembele.
The France international is a fine player when at full fitness, though his time with the Spanish giants has been littered with injuries as he’s struggled to fulfil his early potential.
As always the world of Twitter was on hand to react to United’s interest in Dembele, and we’ve decided to look at some of the best reaction to the potential deal:
After watching Sancho head towards the taxi rank, United are now seemingly searching for a plan B.
Or C.
Or D…
Man Utd now in discussions to sign Ousmane Dembele.
We have now reached the equivalent of the 3am lap of the nightclub just to see, on the off chance, if anyone might be around and interested.
— Paddy Power (@paddypower) September 30, 2020
Jadon who?
It will take me about 3 minutes to pretend I don’t even know who Sancho is if we sign Dembele btw, my shamelessness has no limits ????????
— ‘ (@vintageredss) September 30, 2020
It’s proven a frustrating transfer window for both the Red Devils and manager Solskjaer, the Norwegian likely flummoxed by the club’s confusing negotiation tactics.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer looking for a transfer update from Ed Woodward this morning… pic.twitter.com/eEnXnY9Zlb
— Al Foran (@ImpressionistAL) October 1, 2020
News of a reported move for Dembele has, at least, raised optimism amongst some supporters, with the prospect of the ambipedal Frenchman and Mason Greenwood a nightmare proposition for opposition defences.
Greenwood & Dembele in the final third like pic.twitter.com/72HLZWuZ11
— Steve Arnott (@LaPiochey) September 30, 2020
Dembele’s fitness issues have led many to forget the talent of a player who cost in excess of £100m when signing for Barcelona three years ago, the winger a blur of speed and skill when able to operate at full tilt.
A reminder of what Ousmane Dembele is capable of ⚡
(via @ChampionsLeague)pic.twitter.com/6xfhSwJMLq
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) September 30, 2020
That injury record stands as a major concern ahead of any deal, however, and Dembele’s spells on the sideline have quelled some the optimism ahead of a potential move to Manchester.
Ousmane Dembele’s recent injury history:
2019-20: Torn muscle
2019-20: Hamstring injury
2019-20: Muscle injury
2019-20: Hamstring injury
2018-19: Hamstring injury
2018-19: Torn muscle bundle
2018-19: Ankle injury
2017-18: Torn muscle bundle
2017-18: Hamstring injury pic.twitter.com/c721mdXUIi— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) September 30, 2020
Breaking – Dembele arrives at Aon Training Complex for his medical pic.twitter.com/tX2SGIPtGK
— Sarang (@sarangcasm) October 1, 2020
https://twitter.com/LFCLiverbird96/status/1310995985997402115
If Woodward can make a breakthrough during negotiations with Barcelona it will provide Dembele with a chance to relaunch his career in the Premier League, provided the Frenchman is keen to do so, of course.
Ousmane Dembele when Ole calls to arrange personal terms pic.twitter.com/OHxwezID9A
— Donz (@UtdDonz16) September 30, 2020
Although let’s be honest this seems the most likely scenario…
Manchester United insist they have not and will not make an offer to buy Dembélé. #FCB not interested in a loan deal if it doesn’t involve a buy option#FCB believe the reports of #MUFC wanting him on loan work to add pressure to Jadon Sancho and Borussia, their ultimate target
— Guillem Balague (@GuillemBalague) October 1, 2020
Read – Six Premier League players who could still move before the transfer deadline
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