Manchester United should resist FC Barcelona transfer temptation

Man Utd have been increasingly linked with a move to sign Ousmane Dembele from FC Barcelona in the summer transfer window.

Manchester United will understandably be feeling a bit apprehensive as they approach the summer transfer window.

Ed Woodward reiterated at his conference call last week it would not be business as usual in the summer market, but offered hope of new arrivals with the financial figures which were presented.

United acknowledged back in January that Bruno Fernandes' fee would affect the funds available to them in the summer window with expectations dampened even before the financial crisis came about, however they still have plenty of power.

During the quarterly call Richard Arnold also alluded to previous tricky times at the club, as far back as the great depression and as recently as the UK recessions, but reiterated the belief of success which they believe still lies ahead. Time will tell if their faith is to be proven right.

Figures for the first three months of the year revealed United still had £90million in the bank as well as easy access to £150million in credit if necessary, it means big spending shouldn't be ruled out altogether, however it does not necessarily mean it will all be allocated to transfers.

United know they would need to blow a huge portion of their resources if they were to sign Jadon Sancho from Borussia Dortmund this summer, with his form over the weekend a key reminder of the talent which he can offer.

Yet with such a fee would come further pressure on him to succeed and it is no surprise to know United have a list of alternatives should they look elsewhere in the coming months.

Kai Havertz demonstrated over the weekend exactly why he is a player worth consideration, while Rabbi Matondo looked very much like the raw uncut gem which he is currently viewed as by the club. However, the reports linking United with Ousmane Dembele should serve as a warning sign against a potential summer mistake.

Reports in Spain over the weekend suggested United would be able to secure Dembele for a 'bargain fee' of 'just' £37million this summer as Barcelona look to sell their French flop. The fact they want rid after spending €105m on him three years ago should already be the biggest warning sign of them all.

There is no disputing the immense talent which Dembele has in his locker, the fact Barcelona included a €400m release clause in his deal and gave him the No.11 shirt which Neymar had worn was clear evidence of their faith in the youngster, but things just haven't worked out.

It hasn't all been Dembele's fault either. In his three seasons at the Nou Camp the 23-year-old has already missed over 70 matches through nine separate injuries which have drained him of both fitness and confidence, with his late miss against Liverpool in the Champions League semi-final first-leg last year a sign of a fading spark.

From the outside it seems obvious the World Cup winner needs a move this summer if he is to end such a sorry chapter and reignite his reputation as one of the most exciting talents in European football, but he doesn't come without baggage.

Not only should the injury record steer United well away, but so too should reports in Spain of Dembele missing training sessions and failing to appear for medical examinations by the club. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has worked so hard to change the mentality of the squad, and a move for Dembele seems like a risk which could send them two steps back.

It is only right United have a list of back-up options should they fail to sign Sancho this summer, but Dembele is not one who should be considered.