Manchester United’s decision not to sign Jack Grealish is proving costly

Add as preferred source on Google

Marcus Rashford and Bruno Fernandes were among Manchester United’s poorer players in the bore draw with Crystal Palace.

It’s not right to be to harsh on two players who have scored 40 goals combined this season, and they haven’t regressed. What is hurting them is a lack of rest.

Rashford has played 42 games this season already and Fernandes 40. That doesn’t take into account international matches.

Factor in the relentless June to August schedule from last season too, and it’s clear these players just need a break.

Part of the problem here lies with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer for poor squad management, the other aspect of blame lies with the board.

Jack Grealish was needed

The problem here could have been solved if United had bought Jack Grealish in the summer.

Aston Villa’s asking price of £80 million was too high and United walked away, without even trying to negotiate.

United bought Donny van de Beek for half the price, a move which was hailed at the time as sensible business. So far it has worked out poorly.

Van de Beek has not yet won Solskjaer over, starting only two Premier League games this season.

He was meant to be bought as an alternative to Fernandes, but Solskjaer does not feel he can drop the Portuguese international for Van de Beek without the team experiencing a drop off.

Nor does he feel Van de Beek is a natural replacement for Rashford on the left. This was the one drawback to not signing Grealish, who can play in both positions.

Grealish can play both left wing and attacking midfield roles adeptly, and was already Premier League proven.

Had United signed the Aston Villa man, both Rashford and Fernandes could have been rested a lot more.

Grealish this season has been playing at a high level. Far better than how he ended last year. He has created more chances per game (3.4) than any Premier League player.

While Jadon Sancho was a big miss on the right wing, and continues to be, not signing Grealish has had a negative impact on United’s team.

Fernandes and Rashford need help, and Grealish could have provided it, for both of them.

£80 million seemed expensive last summer, but it looks a little cheaper now.

• Along with Andrey Santos, Man Utd have signed another young future international captain to double up
• Why Man United’s quiet midfield rebuild is actually bad news for academy stars like Jim Thwaites
• Three alternatives to Ederson for Manchester United to sign instead, with one move already in play
• Man Utd make Joao Gomes enquiry after Atletico Madrid transfer collapse
• Man Utd change transfer plans following reports of Ederson deal collapse
• What Man Utd can expect from Andrey Santos after £48m signing, unsung quality will shine
• Leny Yoro facing make-or-break season for Man Utd, success isn’t even in his hands
• Shea Lacey could be pre-season surprise for Michael Carrick in new position for Man Utd
• Man Utd academy coach tipped to join Nick Cox at Everton
• Brazilian press react to Andrey Santos to Manchester United transfer
• Romario puzzled by Ederson role at World Cup for Brazil, he says what Man Utd fans were thinking