Mikael Silvestre: I think Sancho can still have a long term future at United

In this article:

• Højlund needs time to click with his United teammates
• Rashford’s body language improving
• Sancho can still have a long term future at United
• It’s normal for ten Hag to work with former players
• Benzema isn’t the solution for Manchester United

Højlund needs time to click with his United teammates

Rasmus Højlund was on the scoresheet again for United against Tottenham. He will be looking to take his recent form into the second half of the season, having struggled so far. Silvestre says it will eventually click between the forward and his fellow teammates.

“Højlund depends a lot on the service but it was good to see him score. I think his reaction showed he was relieved, but I think he is hungry for more.”

“I think he will improve and score more goals. His movement is really improving and he is also creating chances for his teammates.”

“He can create chances himself but the provider has to be sharp in their mind and accurate in their execution. He is still new in the team and it takes time to get the understanding with the teammates.”

“The midfield players and the wingers will also understand the way he likes to be served, but it takes time.”

Rashford’s body language improving

Marcus Rashford is another United forward that has struggled. Especially when you consider the fine form he showed last season. Silvestre was pleased with the way Rashford was able to create space for himself in the penalty area before finishing emphatically.

“It was a good goal from Rashford. He created the space himself. He started from his favourite position where he can get in and use his right foot.”

“I think his body language was much better against Tottenham, than what we have seen this season so far.”

Sancho can still have a long term future at United

Sancho has completed his loan move to Dortmund. He was able to assist his team mate and friend Marco Reus on his second debut for the club and will be looking to re-find the form that made him one of Europe’s highly coveted young, attacking forwards. But is there a way back for him at the club?

“I think Sancho can still have a long term future at United. Things change a lot in football from one game to the next so from six months to another season things could change.”

“If he comes back for pre-season and performs with the manager he could have another go. I think his future is not 100% over with United but it depends on him.”

“He now needs to focus on performing for Dortmund.”

It’s normal for ten Hag to work with former players

Erik ten Hag is reportedly keeping tabs on Ajax striker Brian Brobbey as Manchester United begin to plan their summer transfer window. The Dutchman worked with the striker in the past and even handed him his debut at Ajax in 2020. ten Hag has been questioned for his insistence to work with former players and players from the Eredivisie such as Lisandro Martienz, Christian Eriksen, Mason Mount and Andre Onana. However, Silvestre says it’s natural for managers to work with players from former clubs.

“It’s natural because it´s not a long time ago he was there. He knows their qualities, weaknesses and mentality.”

“It’s normal to see managers get players and staff from their former clubs because they know them so well.”

“It’s not a problem. He knows what he is missing in the current squad to achieve his objectives, so if he thinks a player from Ajax can improve them, it would make sense.”

Benzema isn’t the solution for Manchester United

Karim Benzema has emerged as a surprise transfer target for Manchester United and a range of other European clubs.

Benzema moved to the Saudi Pro League side on a free transfer in the summer and has 12 goals and five assists as captain of his new club. However, the Frenchman is widely reported to be unhappy in Saudi Arabia following his summer switch from Real Madrid to Al-Ittihad. Does he still have something to add to the Red Devils?

“I think it’s just newspapers trying to create something that’s not concrete at all. There was a question mark when Ronaldo came, so I think it would be the same for Benzema.”

“I don’t think he is the best solution for them.”

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