The reason why Manchester United are unlikely to pursue Coutinho

Manchester United are unlikely to move for Barcelona outcast Philippe Coutinho due to their interest in Borussia Dortmund wonderkid Jadon Sancho, claims The Independent.

Coutinho is currently battling for his Barcelona future after struggling to discover his best form for the club since completing a £142m switch from Liverpool in January last year.

The Premier League is the only realistic destination for Coutinho if he is forced to leave Barcelona at the end of the season and United have already been heavily linked with the Brazil international.

However, it has now emerged that United are instead prioritising pace in their front line with Sancho at the top of their summer wish list.

Sancho has been a revelation for Borussia Dortmund over the last 18 months and is now regarded as one of the brightest talents in world football.

The 18-year-old is already being touted as a potential £100m player and Dortmund are desperate to hang on to the teenager for one more season.

There is also a feeling that Sancho is keen to see out three years in Germany before returning to England, but United are determined to press ahead with their interest now.

Sancho would be a hugely exciting addition to United’s offensive options, complimenting the pace of Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial.

Coutinho has only played a direct hand in six goals and assists combined in the league this season, compared to Sancho, who has scored and assisted 18 times in the Bundesliga.

Furthermore, of players to have attempted at least 10 shots in this season’s Champions League, only one player has a worse conversion rate than Coutinho (4.2%).