Former Tottenham manager Tim Sherwood recently suggested in an exclusive interview with Crickex Affiliate that Manchester United should seriously consider signing Arsenal striker Eddie Nketiah, claiming he would be a significant upgrade over Rasmus Højlund. As the old saying goes, “You don’t know what you’ve got till it’s gone” — and Sherwood believes Arsenal might be overlooking a real gem.
Last weekend, the 24-year-old Nketiah delivered a stunning performance with a hat-trick against Sheffield United, showcasing his sharp instincts and finishing ability. With Gabriel Jesus sidelined due to injury, Nketiah has taken on an increasingly important role in the Gunners’ frontline. Unfortunately, Jesus has once again suffered a setback during the clash against Sevilla, with no set date for his return, placing even more responsibility on Nketiah’s shoulders.
Sherwood expressed his disappointment during the Crickex Affiliate segment, stating that it’s unfair for Nketiah to remain behind Jesus in the pecking order when he clearly has the talent to lead the line — not just for Arsenal, but for many top-tier Premier League clubs. He added that many fans, including Arsenal’s own, often doubt Nketiah’s capabilities, yet he continues to silence critics with his work ethic and drive.
In Sherwood’s view, Nketiah is a top-class player who deserves a starting spot at a club like Manchester United or Arsenal. Playing alongside Jesus has only elevated his game, and with the Brazilian forward out, Nketiah’s contributions are more critical than ever. “Arteta should cherish what he has in front of him,” Sherwood said. “This kid came up through the academy. He had chances to leave but chose to stay and fight for his place.”
Nketiah’s recent moment — captaining the side and walking off with the match ball — was not just a personal milestone but also a proud occasion for his family. It was a symbol of resilience and determination, traits that define a future star.
On a related note, several top English clubs reportedly regret not pushing harder to sign Jude Bellingham when he left Birmingham. Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand weighed in, saying the club missed a golden opportunity because they couldn’t guarantee Bellingham first-team minutes — a misstep that sent him packing for the Bundesliga instead.
Ferdinand acknowledged the risk of fan backlash but stood by his claim, highlighting how that lack of commitment cost United a future midfield cornerstone. Ironically, the Red Devils are now under scrutiny for their lackluster summer signings. As of now, many Crickex Affiliate followers believe that Erik ten Hag’s new recruits haven’t made the intended impact, contributing to the team’s underwhelming start to the season.
In football, as in life, maturity often comes through setbacks. Perhaps both clubs and players are learning this lesson the hard way.