Who should Manchester United buy in January?
So, it’s finally here. The New Year means that the transfer window is back open, and for Manchester United and Louis van Gaal it should be a busy one. With so much negativity around the club after a poor showing so far and a shock Champions League exit too – business needs improving.
So, what exactly do United need? A new striker.
Remember the summer. Not only was the weather amazing, but so too were the options available to Louis van Gaal in the strikers department. He had Robin van Persie, and Javier Hernandez. Both were unhappy with the Dutch manager however and were quickly shipped off to Turkey and Germany respectively.
Fast forward to this stage of the season, and Javier Hernandez is one of the Bundesligas top players and has been on scary-good form for Bayer Leverkusen. United are struggling for goals and Rooney is under huge criticism. Subsequently, making Louis van Gaal’s decision to axe him all the more quizzical.
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Because United are stuck with an incredibly out-of-sorts Wayne Rooney, and the heavily relied upon Anthony Martial who despite his talent is not the sole answer to Manchester United’s problems. Therefore a proven goalscorer is needed, and fast. Here are three possible options.
Expensive Option – Alexandre Lacazette
He admittedly has not had his best season ever so far, but speculation of a move to the Premier League continues despite the signing of a long-term contract in the summer. The Frenchman is young, exciting and has a good eye for goal. He was also Ligue 1’s top-scorer last campaign.
If United could get him, he could form a formidable partnership with fellow Frenchman Anthony Martial. He would not come cheap – although his low-key season so far may help knock the price down a notch.
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Also in United’s favour is the sour relationship between Lacazette and Lyon President Jean Michel Aulus. However, any move must be made early with plenty of other suitors also interested should word get out that a sale could be made.
Probably too late for United – Sadio Berahino
The West Brom striker is another who is not too pleased with footballing life at the moment. Despite his obvious talent, he has fallen out with the top brass at the club and is forever linked with a departure in the transfer window after one never materialised in the summer window.
The catch here of course is that Tottenham appear to be first in the line – and being higher in the table adds another card to their hand.
Berahino is very quick, something that United have lacked all season. So not only would he inject some much need pace into the game; he would add goals to the team as well. The case was made in the summer and can be made again here, albeit with a little more urgency.
Talented but untested – Arkadiusz Milik
Milik may not be a name recognised by many, but the Polish international happened to be a United fan growing up and plies his trade in the land of Louis – the Netherlands. Oh, and he is on the cover of FIFA 16 in Poland alongside Lionel Messi.
He is probably a couple of years away from being Premier League quality but the 21-year old is currently doing the business for club and country. With ten goals in twenty games for Poland, he formed a formidable duo with Robert Lewandowski – not a bad person to learn from.
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Milik has eight league goals to his name this season for Ajax, and Louis van Gaal’s connection with the Dutch giants may help push a deal through if United do gamble and pick up the Polish prospect. But what United really need is a proven name – and Milik needs some time to make a name for himself first.