'Why sign Sancho?' - Rooney urges Man United to pursue Kane

Wayne Rooney cannot understand why Manchester United have made Jadon Sancho a top priority when Harry Kane would be a better signing.

Manchester United have pursued Sancho throughout the entire transfer window despite Borussia Dortmund’s reluctance to sell.

The Red Devils appear set to make only their second signing this year in Edinson Cavani. The former Paris Saint-Germain striker is expected to join on a free transfer before Monday’s deadline on a short-term contract.

Despite the addition of a renown goalscorer, however, Rooney feels his old club should still add another in Kane.

The Tottenham striker is chasing a third Premier League Golden Boot this season, with six goals and assists to his name in all competitions already.

“Jadon Sancho is a top player, but I find it odd that he has been Manchester United’s transfer priority,” Rooney wrote in his Sunday Times column.

“Why consider paying close to £100 million for someone similar to talent you’ve got already? United have Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial and where would Sancho’s arrival leave Mason Greenwood, who plays in the same position and is of similar age?

“I’d rather put that £100 million towards trying to get Harry Kane. Yes, getting Kane out of Tottenham would be difficult, maybe impossible, but United are a club who should always make an effort to sign the very best players and Kane is exactly what Ole Gunnar Solskjaer needs, as is Erling Haaland, who United missed out on last year — a genuine No 9.

“A Kane or Haaland or someone like Robert Lewandowski would give Rashford and Martial someone to play off and freedom to roam into different areas, pick the ball up and try to beat men — without the burden of always having to score.

“It would be better for him as well if United had a recognized No.9, because he could learn from them, just as I did from Ruud van Nistelrooy. Of course there are different ways to play the position and Liverpool make brilliant use of a false nine in Roberto Firmino.

“I wonder if a solution for Solskjaer could be a diamond midfield with Bruno Fernandes at the tip and Martial and Rashford as wide forwards, using their speed, similar to Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane.”