There has been the lack of an out-and-out striker at Old Trafford for quite some time now. The situation went from bad to worse surrounding the Manchester United camp as soon as the news broke out that Erling Braut Haaland — a long-term transfer target for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer — had decided to ditch their offer and join Borussia Dortmund last summer.
Following the failed chase that left nothing but discontent, the United management felt the need to sign a back-up for Anthony Martial last January. There were options like Josh King and Islam Slimani. But the one who crossed all the hurdles to secure a late loan move to Old Trafford was Odion Ighalo.
A Manchester United fan since childhood, Ighalo made an exceptional start to his life at his new club, scoring some pivotal goals in the times of need.
The 31-year-old striker was initially due to return to his parent club, Shanghai Shenhua, in May of last year. But his hard work coupled with the important goals he had scored made United extend his loan deal until the end of this January.
However, since the Red Devils signed Edinson Cavani for free in the last summer transfer window, chances haven’t come in abundance for the Nigerian striker, with Ighalo making only four appearances across all competitions this season.
With him leaving this January, the board to need to find a replacement for him though. And they could actually sign a brilliant one.
According to the reports from Gazzetta dello Sport and Corriere dello Sport (via Express), AS Roma have offered Edin Dzeko to Manchester United, with the Italian club presenting the marksman as an alternative to Odion Ighalo.
Even since an obvious fall out between Dzeko and his Roma manager Paulo Fonseca, the Bosnian has found himself on the periphery of their plans. Despite being 34, Dzeko has racked up 7 goals from 15 matches for Roma this season in Serie A. And he has been absolutely world class for them over the years, scoring 104 goals and providing 48 assists over the past four-and-a-half seasons.
However, as reported by Corriere dello Sport, United have yet not shown any interest in landing the 34-year-old frontman this January. Solskjaer has constantly insisted that United won’t make any January signing this term.