Why Dwight McNeil would be wise to stay put at Burnley
According to the Mirror, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s Manchester United are interested in signing Burnley winger Dwight McNeil.
The likes of Manchester United, Leicester City and Juventus have been credited with interest over the past few months in the 20-year-old (h/t the Mirror), who signed an extended contract in January keeping him at Turf Moor until 2023, with the option of another 12 months.
He was axed from United’s academy at just 14 and the Red Devils signed Daniel James in the summer from Swansea. But James can perform across the attack and now, Solskjaer is keeping tabs on McNeil (h/t the Mirror).
Last season, the versatile attacker burst on to the scene by playing 25 games (starting 23) for Burnley, scoring 3 and getting 4 assists.
The 20-year-old has impressed under Sean Dyche this season as well, contributing four assists in the league. He has the ability to play anywhere across the front line. McNeil is perhaps not the proven quality that the Reds should be prioritizing but he has potential.
McNeil’s tendency to drive forward with the ball and stick to the flanks has made him one of Burnley’s top players this season. Given the supply line he has provided to teammates Chris Wood and Ashley Barnes, he could be the man to solve United’s goalscoring crisis.
The Red Devils have struggled to score from open play and although Rashford and Martial have been scoring goals, they lack a creator. That’s where McNeil fits the bill with perfection.
That said, the chance to transfer to Old Trafford might have arrived a tad too early in McNeil’s career. Memphis Depay, who was stunning for the Netherlands in the World Cup in 2014, was brought into Old Trafford but he struggled to get going.
Verdict
Dwight McNeil has been a vital cog in Sean Dyche’s setup and has been one of their main players over the past year and the club should hold on to the attacker amid interest from top clubs.
United have already got young talent within their ranks in Mason Greenwood and Tahith Chong. Their presence could affect McNeil’s chances of making it to the first team. It is a no-brainer for the attacker to continue his career at Turf Moor.
