Former Manchester United player Paul Parker has suggested that the club should sign Japan international Kaoru Mitoma instead of Barcelona’s Ousmane Dembele. United boss Erik ten Hag is looking to strengthen his attack in the summer transfer window and has been linked to several players, including Dembele. However, Parker believes that Mitoma, who plays for Brighton, would be a better choice for the Red Devils. Mitoma, who is the same age as Dembele, has registered nine goals and six assists in 27 appearances across all competitions this season. Parker praised Mitoma’s directness and ability to go on the outside of his opponent, which he says is a rarity in today’s football.
Parker also suggested that United should offload some of their wingers, starting with Jadon Sancho, to make room for Mitoma. He believes that Mitoma has proven himself in the Premier League and doubts that Sancho will ever do that. Parker thinks that Sancho should go back to Germany and play in his comfort zone where he is best. However, if Sancho stays at United, Parker believes that the club needs to figure out what to do with Marcus Rashford, who is best at the left wing.
Parker also thinks that Mitoma would be a good PR-signing for United. He believes that seeing a Japanese player at United would be a huge story. On the other hand, Parker is not convinced by Dembele. He thinks that Dembele is always injured and hasn’t proved himself at a big club. Although Dembele did well at Dortmund, he hasn’t done it at Barcelona yet, so he is not a player that Parker would want. He also thinks that Dembele is predictable and not better than the wingers United already have.
Parker’s opinion differs from that of former United star Louis Saha, who feels that Dembele would be a bargain for United. Dembele could be snapped up for €50m (£44m). However, Parker believes that Mitoma would be a better choice for United. Mitoma gave Trent-Alexander Arnold a bad time in a match against Liverpool, which Parker thinks is impressive. He thinks that Mitoma has proven himself in the Premier League and is very good at going on the outside of his opponent.
United will have to make a decision on who to sign in the summer transfer window. They have been linked to several players, including Erling Haaland, Jadon Sancho, Declan Rice, and Raphael Varane. However, Parker believes that Mitoma would be a good addition to the team. He thinks that Mitoma’s directness and ability to go on the outside of his opponent would be an asset to United. Parker’s opinion may influence United’s decision on who to sign in the summer transfer window.