Teddy Sheringham, a legend of Manchester United, is of the opinion that the club passed up an opportunity by not signing Harry Kane or Declan Rice from the club.
Over the course of the past few years, United has been heavily linked with swoops for both Kane and Rice.
In spite of this, Kane ultimately concluded his transfer to Bayern Munich in August 2023 for an initial fee of £82 million, which could increase to £100 million with add-ons.
United was able to acquire a striker during that transfer window, despite the fact that they were unable to acquire Kane. The striker in question was Rasmus Hojlund, a Danish international who arrived for a fee of 72 million pounds. Hojlund had scored ten goals for Atalanta in all competitions the previous season.
Rice, on the other hand, joined Arsenal, United’s rivals in the Premier League, during the month of July 2023 for an astounding sum of £105 million. He quickly became an integral part of the Gunners’ midfield.
Sheringham expressed his regret over the fact that United was unwilling to make such a significant financial commitment for either player. He believed that if Sir Alex Ferguson had been in charge of the club, there would not have been any issues of this nature.
The 51-time England international also mentioned the leadership abilities of the two players as another important reason why United should have done everything in their power to acquire them. He believes that Bruno Fernandes, the current captain of the Red Devils, does not possess this quality.
In an interview with talkSPORT, Sheringham stated, “In my opinion, they need to make some significant signings.”
In the event that they do not make the major signings, people will not follow the actions of the major players.
When Harry Kane and Declan Rice became available two years ago, I have been saying for the past couple of years that if Fergie had been in charge, he would have gone out of his way to acquire one of them. He would have even gone so far as to break financial records. In order to set a good example, both of them, quite possibly.
When it comes to football men, Bruno is a fantastic player, but he is not a leader in the traditional sense. You need to have players who are able to set an example for others, follow the rules, and give their best effort each and every week. Professionals who are respected by others, who set a good example for others to follow, and who will be followed by others.
“That’s how top football clubs work.”
According to Sheringham, who was a player for four seasons under Ferguson, the legendary manager’s ability to recognise and develop young talent was a significant factor in the tremendous success that his teams experienced.
“You look over the years when he signed Gary Pallister, Roy Keane, Rio Ferdinand, Wayne Rooney,” Sheringham explained to reporters.
They were all top young players who were at the top of their game, and he knew that if he got them to join his football club, they would set an example for others to follow and people would try to emulate them.
“They want to be like them, and they want to play as well as them. They don’t want to let people down, and those players drag other players along with them,” the player said.
“You need them in top football clubs.”
It is anticipated that Manchester United will be active during the summer transfer window, despite the fact that the Red Devils may have difficulty affording players of the calibre of Kane or Rice.
It has been brought to the attention of talkSPORT that United manager Ruben Amorim is looking to strengthen his attacking ranks.
Victor Osimhen, who has scored 26 goals for Galatasaray in 30 matches across all competitions this season, is a player that United might consider acquiring due to his impressive scoring record.
Nevertheless, it is possible that it will be a case of one-in, one-out on account of the fact that Hojlund is a likely candidate to be moved on.
“I think Osimhen is the most likely because I think he’s going to be available for this type of price that United can afford,” said Crook, one of the chief football correspondents for talkSPORT, during an appearance on Inside Devils.
“I believe that his wage demands have decreased from where they were a year ago. It is obvious that he has been playing in Turkey, and I believe that he has that proven pedigree.
“So it wouldn’t surprise me if Hojlund goes back to Italy, and there’s interest from the likes of Napoli I’m told, and Osimhen comes in the opposite direction.”
