I think we’re at a bit of a crossroads when it comes to one man’s career.
And what we decide to do with it could go a long way in dictating what sort of future he is going to have, so we have to be incredibly delicate with it. I’m talking of curse about Jay Stansfield. The young forward turned 18-years-old the other day, and is now at the age where we need to decide what his next course of action will be.
Personally, I think during these next couple of months in the lead up to the January transfer window, I would like to see him on the fringes of the first-team. I have said before that the club needs to be looking for options when it comes to giving Aleksandar Mitrovic some rest and competition, and Stansfield could very well be that man.
It’s not like we haven’t given chances to young players in the past, Ryan Sessegnon being a great recent example, and whilst I’m not making a direct comparison in terms of ability, it is a case of you don’t know until you’ve tried.
Do we need to bring in a new centre-forward this window?
Yes
No
Use these next few weeks as a test if you will. I’m not saying throw him in the starting line up at Old Trafford, but let’s see if we can use him as a rotation option for Mitrovic on occasion this season. If not, then we know to ship him out on loan (which should really be considered anyway this January regardless) and then look in the transfer market for a more experienced option.
Because if not now, then when is he going to be given a chance to improve himself? We have the FA Cup coming up in January, and that’s maybe one game, but ideally you want to see a regular string of appearances before you make your mind up.
What about you? Do you think Stansfield needs to be given more minutes before the January transfer window?