Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images
Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images
Manchester United have chosen not to pursue interest in Ismail Sarr.
One of the transfer options available to Manchester United this summer was to swoop for Crystal Palace winger Ismaila Sarr.
Sarr was linked to Manchester United in early July, with Teamtalk even claiming there had been contact over the Senegal international.
Now, United have elected not to move for Sarr, who is set to join Turkish side Fenerbahce, according to TMW.
United’s decision not to move for Sarr is a show of faith in rising talent Shea Lacey.
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Ismaila Sarr celebrates goal against Belgium
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Shea Lacey potential vs Ismaila Sarr’s immediacy
Ismaila Sarr is a proven Premier League performer who Manchester United know well as an opponent.
Last season Sarr scored nine goals in the league for Palace plus a further seven in the Europa Conference League.
He also scored four goals for Senegal at the World Cup despite their disappointing tournament overall.
There’s little doubt that the 28-year-old would have been a useful addition for United, bringing additional firepower on the right flank.
United have Amad and Bryan Mbeumo as options at the position, both of who can also play in other positions.
And while Sarr would have been useful, United already have a ready-made reinforcement in-house.
Shea Lacey has been a standout player in pre-season so far, playing on the right and in a central role.
When Bruno Fernandes returns, Lacey’s likely path to the first team is on the right wing.
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A show of faith from Carrick
Shea Lacey has so far demonstrated in pre-season that he is ready to make the step up. In games against Rosenborg and Atletico Madrid, he has been selected with the starters.
Lacey has scored one, provided another assist, and also won a penalty against Atletico.
It is important for United that when youth team standouts genuinely are ready, that they are provided a path to the first team.
A move for Sarr would have blocked the pathway for Lacey.
United are taking the long-term view here. While Sarr may have a more productive 2026/27 than Lacey, what about in three or five years time?
In 2028, Lacey will be 21 and Sarr will be 30, and there is no reason to block the talented teenager’s development with added competition.