Ten Hag eyeing Man United swoop for raw talent £40m “livewire” he is just like Rashford
Harvey Barnes, a winger playing for Leicester City, seems to be attracting interest from Manchester United, despite being close to joining their rivals Newcastle United.
The latest transfer speculations involving Manchester United suggest that both United and West Ham United are interested in signing Barnes, who is expected to leave his current team, Leicester City, this summer as they were recently relegated. Manchester United has already completed a deal for Barnes’ compatriot, Mason Mount.
According to a report by The Daily Mail, Newcastle United is still considered the frontrunners to sign Barnes. However, it appears that Newcastle is struggling to meet Leicester City’s asking price of £40 million, which could create an opportunity for Manchester United to make a move for the player.
Although Barnes has two more years left on his contract with Leicester City, it is highly unlikely that he will stay with the team for their promotion campaign next season.
The question arises whether Manchester United really needs Harvey Barnes, considering they already have players like Jadon Sancho, Alejandro Garnacho, and Marcus Rashford, who primarily play on the left flank.
However, there have been rumors that Manchester United’s manager, Erik ten Hag, is looking for a new player for that position, especially amidst speculation that Sancho may leave due to recent unpopularity.
Even if Manchester United signs promising Atalanta striker Rasmus Hojlund, it remains to be seen if the tall Danish player can be relied upon, as he scored only nine goals in Serie A during the 2022-23 season. Rashford might be used as a central striker next season, as he often played in that position last season.
Considering these factors, it would make sense for Manchester United to sign Barnes to provide competition for the young Garnacho. The speedy player from Burnley has recently showcased his abilities by scoring 45 goals and providing 32 assists in 187 appearances for his current team.
Barnes could also serve as a backup to Rashford, both as a rival and as a replacement for the academy graduate on the left flank, in case he is deployed through the middle. It is worth noting that Barnes has been praised as a highly sought-after player with similarities in statistics and playing style to Rashford, according to FBref and pundit Alan Hutton.
While Rashford scored 17 league goals last season, Barnes contributed 13 top-flight goals despite Leicester City’s relegation, highlighting the similarities between the two players. Rashford is currently ranked in the top 1% of players in his position in the top five European leagues for non-penalty goals, and Barnes is not far behind, ranking in the top 6%.
Barnes possesses the same “raw pace” that can pose a serious threat to opponents, just like Rashford, whom Ten Hag described as “unstoppable” due to his speed, dribbling ability, and directness.
If Manchester United can secure the signing of Barnes, who earns £35,000 per week, they would have acquired a player with similar qualities to Rashford, which would be a fantastic achievement considering Rashford’s impact last season, scoring 30 goals in all competitions.