Manchester United may be making a mistake with Michael Olise, argues ex-player

Former Manchester United midfielder Alan Smith believes Manchester United should not pursue Michael Olise despite several links to the Crystal Palace youngster.

Links between United and Olise – who has scored six goals and assisted three in ten games – have been strong since the young talent penned a new deal with Crystal Palace last summer.

United are reportedly considering triggering the £60 million release clause in Olise’s new contract, but Smith believes new owners INEOS should be cautious about such a decision.

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Speaking to BritishGambler.co.uk, Smith said: “I feel like I wouldn’t be rushing into anything at this moment in time. That’s where United have been over the last few years with their recruitment policy.

“If you’re gonna rebuild, make sure that the structure is correct and you’re buying the correct personnel.

“We aren’t just buying someone for this transfer window, we are buying them for five years.”

Olise produced a man-of-the-match performance for Crystal Palace as he returned from injury in a 3-2 win over Sheffield United.

The 22-year-old assisted both of the goals scored by Eberechi Eze in the first half, before scoring the winner in the 67th minute.

But, this is not enough to convince Smith of the value of a late move for Manchester United.

Smith added: “It might sound like we are giving up this season, but we can’t just keep throwing money at it and see if it works, and that has never been the Man United way.”

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Olise has been in high demand recently after Chelsea activated the Frenchman’s £35million release clause in the summer.

The youngster decided to decline, instead penning a new four-year deal at Selhurst Park, but links have remained strong with both Chelsea and Manchester United.

Regardless, it is unlikely that Erik ten Hag will be making any signings before the January transfer window closes without first making a major sale.

Although the Red Devils have moved on Hannibal Mejbri, Alvaro Fernandez, Jadon Sancho, Donny van de Beek and Sergio Reguilon, all of them are on loan and therefore wouldn’t facilitate a new signing.