Lee Hendrie believes Manchester United would be a better destination for James Trafford than Newcastle United.
James Trafford has only gone from strength to strength since joining Burnley. The Englishman has been a standout performer for the Clarets in the EFL Championship, and multiple top clubs are expected to come calling for his signature ahead of next season.
Premier League giants keen on Trafford
Manchester United are one of the clubs that have been linked with James Trafford, as reports suggest that the Red Devils could part ways with Andre Onana, who has not been able to return to his best since moving to Old Trafford. He has made some high-profile errors in the recent past, and if they decided to look beyond him, Trafford could be just the perfect fit for them.
But Newcastle United are believed to be ahead of them in the pursuit of his signature. The Magpies have been laying the groundwork to sign the Englishman since last summer. Newcastle knocked on the doors of Burnley with multiple offers after their relegation, but the Clarets were determined to hold onto him.
Both Manchester United and Newcastle United could enter a bidding war for his signature, but Lee Hendrie feels Old Trafford will be an ideal destination for Trafford ahead of St. James’ Park.
While speaking on Football League World, the Aston Villa legend said, “Obviously, he’s had a brilliant season at Burnley and the clean sheets he’s having, that’s down to him and his backline. The moves to Newcastle or Man United, which would be better? This is difficult because Manchester United have to start turning a corner at some stage.
“Onana hasn’t been anywhere near his best in goal, and maybe looking like leaving the football club, so that may be an opportunity for him to take the reins in goal there. Newcastle obviously have got Pope, so it’s whether he’d play.
“I think he’d have more of a chance of playing at Manchester United if he’s going to go somewhere, but obviously going at a sort of fee where they’d be taking him to play. I think Man United would probably suit better as a building process for him, but that’s going to be down to his own general preference.”
James Trafford’s sensational rise at Burnley
While Trafford’s contract at Burnley runs until the summer of 2027, it is almost certain that he will be on the move next summer. Even if they manage to secure a return to the English top flight, offers from Newcastle United or Manchester United could be too difficult for him to turn down. For the Clarets, an offer in the region of £30-40 million could be seen as a chance to secure a significant profit.
Things might not have worked out for him at Manchester City, but James Trafford is certainly making the most out of the opportunities he has at Burnley. The 22-year-old has been on fire this season as he has kept 25 clean sheets in his 35 league outings, and he has only conceded a total of 10 goals.
Trafford’s performances, along with his massive potential, suggest he could be an exceptional signing for both Newcastle and Manchester United. But Hendrie believes he has a better chance of replacing Onana at Manchester United than displacing Pope at the Tyneside club.