Lee Sharpe names Premier League star who is ‘exactly what Man Utd need’ this summer

Former Manchester United star Lee Sharpe has urged the club to step up their interest in Michael Olise, believing the Crystal Palace winger is ‘exactly what they need’ this summer.

While Alejandro Garnacho’s rise continued with the emergence of Amad Diallo in the first-team also providing hope, United struggled in attack last season with wide areas a particular problem.

Antony endured a woeful second season at Old Trafford while Marcus Rashford, having scored 30 times the previous campaign, hit just eight goals. Jadon Sancho meanwhile will be sold this summer with United looking to recoup £40million for the former Borussia Dortmund star who was banished from the first-team last year.

Olise emerged as a target for United at the start of the year and is thought to be one of the top targets for the new regime led by Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS at Old Trafford.

The Palace star almost joined Chelsea last summer only to sign a new contract at Selhurst Park. His new contract is thought to include a release clause – one thought to be significantly higher than the £35m clause that was written into his previous deal.

Chelsea remain interested in signing the 22-year-old with Arsenal also credited with interest. But former United winger Sharpe believes Olise is the perfect option to revitalise the club’s wide options.

‘I certainly think he is the kind of player that United could do with, Sharpe said, speaking exclusively to Metro.co.uk via 1337 Games.

‘As much as he is a creative ballplayer and creates chances, he also does his fair share of working back and doesn’t give the ball away very cheaply, so I think he suits what every club is looking for, let alone Man United. But he’s certainly exciting, he can score goals, and he’s exactly what they need.

‘I know Antony has been a bit of a disappointment from a perspective of seeming to lack loads of confidence, just turns back on his left foot and passes it backwards or sideways, not really going at people like you would have expected. Someone like Eze would change that.’

Sharpe sends message to Man Utd over Rashford future

Most of United’s squad is thought to be up for sale this summer with the exception of rising stars Garnacho, Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Hojlund.

While United are not inviting or expecting bids for Rashford, a move for the 26-year-old has not been ruled out should the right offer come in and the player himself pushes for the move.

While he stepped up to help United win the FA Cup in May, Rashford endured a miserable 2023-24 campaign, culminating in him failing to make the England squad for this Euro 2024 this summer.

Sharpe however believes a summer off will help Rashford rediscover his best form, urging the club to forget about cashing in on him.

‘I think it could well do Rashford the world of good being left out of The Euros,’ Sharpe said.

‘I think a rest, stay at home and what the Euros brings with the furore of the fans around the country, I think it will really make him miss it and not be part of the squad.

‘I think the rest will also do him the world of good to get some time away from football and to come back and have a great pre-season, all guns blazing,  fit as a fiddle and raring to go.

‘I think we will see a different Marcus Rashford next season because he has tonnes of ability and for some reason it just hasn’t happened this season.’