Wayne Rooney says Manchester United should have focused their efforts on trying to sign Harry Kane rather than wasting their time on Jadon Sancho.
The Red Devils failed to prise 20-year-old Sancho from Borussia Dortmund this summer despite making him their primary target.
Dortmund were happy to let Sancho go for the right price but United would not meet their valuation and missed out entirely.
Their dallying has eventually forced them to bring in veteran Edinson Cavani on a free transfer, but Rooney feels Tottenham star Kane should have been top of United's wish list.
He told The Sunday Times : “Jadon Sancho is a top player, but I find it odd that he has been Manchester United’s transfer priority.
“Why consider paying close to £100m for someone similar to talent you’ve got already? United have Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial and where would Sancho’s arrival leave Mason Greenwood, who plays in the same position and is of similar age?
“I’d rather put that £100m towards trying to get Harry Kane."
The Spurs striker showcased his talents against United at Old Trafford on Sunday, scoring twice and setting up another in a humiliating 6-1 rout.
Kane is tied down until 2024 at Tottenham, but did suggest earlier in the year he could be open to a move elsewhere.
Tottenham would unlikely have accepted anything less than at least £150m for their talisman though.
Who should United have prioritised signing this summer? Have your say below.
United's funds have been severely hit by the coronavirus pandemic, making such a transfer unrealistic in this window, but Rooney suggested there were other players out there.
He added: “Yes, getting Kane out of Tottenham would be difficult, maybe impossible, but United are a club who should always make an effort to sign the very best players and Kane is exactly what Ole Gunnar Solskjaer needs, as is Erling Haaland, who United missed out on last year — a genuine number nine."
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