'Greenwood is not a Messiah' - Ikpeba urges Man Utd to sign a player in the mould of Kevin De Bruyne

Former African Footballer of the Year, Victor Ikpeba has urged Manchester United to recruit a player in the mould of Manchester City star Kevin De Bruyne if they are to challenge for the Premier League title. 

After seven games in the top flight, the Red Devils are nine points behind table-toppers Manchester City after a 1-0 loss to Crystal Palace in the latest round of matches in the division.

It was speculated that Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag wanted to retain Mason Greenwood after his off-the-field issues, but the powers that be at Old Trafford decided it was best for the forward to be shipped out on loan. 

Ikpeba reckons that Manchester United are lacking a creative player and stressed that Greenwood is not the answer to their problems in attack. 

The 1994 Africa Cup of Nations winner is bemused over the role Bruno Fernandes plays in the Manchester United team and pointed out that the Portugal international has not excelled in his playmaking duties this season. 

Speaking on SuperSport's Monday Night Football, monitored by allnigeriasoccer.com, Ikpeba stated: "Greenwood is not a Messiah.

"I don't know what position I'll place Bruno Fernandes. Is he a number 10, is he an attacking midfielder from the left or right? I don't actually know the position of Fernandes.

"He's all over the place. Yes, he can score some brilliant goals but I think what Manchester United need is someone like a Rodri, a Kevin De Bruyne, a Bernardo Silva - a player than can made the difference and bring those crosses."

A pupil of legendary manager Arsene Wenger, Ikpeba was in the Monaco side that held Manchester United to two draws in the 1997-1998 edition of the UEFA Champions League. 

Ifeanyi Emmanuel 

Photo Credit : manutd.com
 

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