Identifying Five Possible Jadon Sancho Alternatives for Manchester United to Consider [A Thread}:

Manchester United's pursuit of Jadon Sancho has been one of the summer's biggest talking points, but in recent weeks, the move has begun to look increasingly unlikely.

With time winding down in the window, we have identified five possible alternatives to the young Englishman:

Before that, we need to look at some of Sancho's key attributes, and pinpoint exactly what type of player Ole Gunnar Solskjær and United are so keen to add to their squad:

1. Prolific end product:

Sancho was the T-2nd best finisher in Europe last season, with a hugely impressive 33% conversion rate. At just 20 years old, expect the Englishman's ability in front of goal to only continue to improve with age.

2. Elite playmaking abilities

Sancho isn't limited to his finishing ability; he seems to love providing as much as he does scoring. An efficient, creative, imaginative playmaker, Sancho constantly picks up pockets of space and looks to feed his teammates with enticing passes.

3. Dribbling and movement

Sancho is able to constantly stretch his opponents with his dribbling and movement between the lines. He is effective as both a direct and skillful dribbler, comfortable carrying from deep or maneuvering his way out of tight spaces.

4. Versatility

Sancho is adept playing on both sides of the pitch, or even through the middle. Wherever he starts, Sancho loves drifting across the final 1/3, and constantly picks up smart positions in the half-space. His 19/20 goal map shows his ability from both flanks.

In consideration of all of this, here is our list of players we believe would be suitable alternatives to Sancho:

Just misses out: Emi Buendia

The Argentine impressed at Norwich last season, proving to be their creative spark in an otherwise poor year. There have been some links to Buendia in recent weeks, but we don't think he's the right man for the job. Perhaps a replacement for Mata...

Realistic: Leon Bailey

The dynamic, pacey, and skillful winger has been linked to United in recent times, and for good reason. He's endured a few frustrating campaigns but is equally adept on both wings, has a rocket of a shot, and is very dangerous on the dribble.

Realistic: David Brooks

Brooks is a creative, intelligent playmaker who thrives with the ball at his feet, but he doesn't quite have the dynamism and speed that Sancho possesses. 7 goals at Bournemouth in 18/19 suggests that he could contribute in front of goal.

Wildcard: Federico Chiesa

Like Sancho, Chiesa is capable of scoring goals as well as creating them, and enjoyed a strong previous campaign. The Italian can play on both flanks and is effective with both feet, dangerous on the dribble, and still just 22.

Wildcard: Mikel Oyarzabal

A move for Real Sociedad's main man wouldn't be a bad alternative for United. Oyarzabal is an intelligent mover and creative presence, and has shown he's capable in front of goal, notching 10 in the previous campaign.

Dream: Ousmane Dembélé

In our opinion, Dembélé is the best alternative of the lot. He's struggled at Barcelona, but a fresh start could help him rediscover his old form. Blessed with devastating pace and two-footed ability, there's not many better when he's on his game.

Losing out on Sancho wouldn't be the end of the world for United. There's still a multitude of quality wingers available across Europe who could all bring something different to Ole's side.

Graphics courtesy of ourselves and the brilliant @FootballSlices.