Image: Plumb Images/Leicester City FC

Former Aston Villa manager Tim Sherwood believes the deal bringing Jack Grealish to Old Trafford in the Summer is already done. It has been reported that Grealish has a release clause should Aston Villa get relegated and United are holding off on completing the deal until the season has been decided. Either way, it seems Grealish will be playing his football away from Villa Park next season.

“I think Jack Grealish is a deal which is already done,” Sherwood told Premier League Productions. “He’s a player that they need. I honestly believe there’s only one club for Jack Grealish. I don’t think he can stay at Aston Villa, he needs to progress his career. I think he signs for Manchester United.”

Sherwood’s comments come on the day other outlets are announcing United have agreed personal terms with Jadon Sancho and are working on agreeing a fee with Borussia Dortmund. Signing these two would leave United with an assortment of riches in attack but fail to address the real issue in defense. You also have to ask where would these players play given United’s current front four of Rashford, Fernandes, Greenwood, and Martial have helped the club to a 15 game unbeaten streak.

If that run continues United will look to spend big this summer as they would likely sneak into one of the top four positions and grab a Champions League place. However, one of the most promising aspects in an otherwise underwhelming season for United has been the progression of Mason Greenwood, Ben Williams, and Scott McTominay into first-team players. James Garner is another who is highly thought of at Old Trafford and could likely see more playing time next season. Any signing will need to strengthen the team in key areas but also not impede the youth coming through. Do Grealish or Sancho meet that criteria?

Former United and Villa player Eric Djemba-Djemba spoke about the Grealish transfer saying

“I think that Fernandes and Pogba are both a lot better than him, so he would be joining as a substitute. He would struggle to start over Rashford, Martial, or Greenwood as well, but he would definitely be a good signing.”

Which then begs the question do you really pay £75 million for a player not guaranteed a starting place?

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United needs to not panic buy this summer but instead buy smart. This will be a tall task for Ed Woodward who balked at the idea of spending $30 million on Erling Braut Håland. Maybe the most important move United could make this summer is removing him from the footballing side of the club and appoint a director of football.