Manchester United need to bring in major reinforcements as soon as possible if they are to challenge for top honours any time soon. There were high expectations this time around after they brought in Cristiano Ronaldo, Raphael Varane, Jadon Sancho and Tom Heaton in the summer, but it is safe to say that things have not gone the Red Devils’ way. In fact, they have headed in the opposite direction completely.
As things stand, it looks very possible that Manchester United could finish their fifth straight season without a trophy.
One player who has had no problems lifting silverware in recent seasons though is Mohamed Salah, who has been one of the chief architects behind Liverpool’s return to the top of the English game. Many believe that he is the best player in the world right now.
Gary Neville though would sign Kylian Mbappe or Erling Haaland, before he would sign Salah for Manchester United. He told Sky Sports:
"“At times earlier in the season, Salah was at a level that was the best in the world, and he still could be.“But if you said to me I could sign one player for Manchester United tomorrow, I would still probably go for Mbappe or Haaland over Salah.“It’s not a Liverpool thing, I think Salah is absolutely amazing, but I just think Mbappe has got the ability to be out-of-this-world special. There is no doubt Salah is world class, but Mbappe has got something different, that edge, something that is that good, it could make him one of the true greats.”"
On the other hand, Neville compared Haaland to Eric Cantona:
"“I like Haaland’s personality.“I like that fact he doesn’t care what anyone thinks. He’s got a bit of Eric Cantona in him, he’s the modern-day version if you like.”"
Would Manchester United take Mbappe and Haaland over Salah?
On current form, one has to say that Salah is better than Mbappe and Haaland. He also has the experience of the Premier League, which those other two don’t.
But, at the same time, one cannot forget about the age difference. Salah will be turning 30 years of age in the near future, while Mbappe is still only 23 and Haaland just 21.
Thus, when you think about the long-term picture, both of them would be better signings than the Egyptian superstar.
Of course, there is very little chance that either of the three would end up at Manchester United any time soon, especially considering the struggles that the Red Devils have been going through in recent years. But things can change very quickly in football and who knows what the future holds.