With the 2023 Premier League season slowly coming to an end and Manchester United’s champion hopes slowly winding down, Manchester United coach Erik ten Hag has voiced his desire to acquire a striker in the summer transfer period to bolster the Red Devils’ attack.
Amidst the sudden departure of Cristiano Ronaldo prior to the 2022 World Cup, there has been a gaping hole in Manchester United’s attack. Unfortunately, due to their lack of a striker, Manchester United has dropped crucial games and has fallen out of competition with league giants, Arsenal and Manchester City.
As well, Ten Hag expressed his interest in signing a striker that fits with the current United squad:
"“We have to build a new future and we need a striker who not only scores goals but contributes by linking up play very well and pressing, which is very important.” – Erik ten Hag"
Therefore, it is clear that signing a striker in the upcoming summer transfer period can play a vital role in Manchester United’s title aspirations in 2024.
Three Strikers Manchester United should target
Here is a list of three strikers that Manchester United can purchase to make an instant impact on their team:
Victor Osimhen:
Napoli striker Victor Osimhen should be at the top of the Reds’ list due to his youth, pace, and scoring capabilities. The 24-year-old Nigerian international is currently having a breakout season with the Serie A leading Napoli, scoring 21 goals in 25 matches so far this season. Osimhen is a lengthy and clinical forward who excels at finishing on the ground and in the air.
However, issues arise when considering the pricey fee of the versatile target man. Manchester United will have to meet Napoli’s steep asking price of €150 million to sign Osimhen, whose acquisition is also a top objective for United rivals, Chelsea. Nevertheless, Osimhen has remained one of the top transfer targets this offseason in the eyes of Ten Hag.
Harry Kane:
Tottenham superstar Harry Kane’s time at the club may be coming to an end, with Manchester United remaining a top destination for him to land. The British captain is a solidified Premier League player, having won the prestigious Golden Boot three times in his career. However, he is yet to win any real trophy with a Tottenham squad that is constantly in turmoil. Therefore, going into his final season in his contract, Kane may look for a move to the Red Devils to play UCL football and be a key player in United’s road to a Premier League title.
Unfortunately, Tottenham may be less inclined to allow Kane to transfer to a rival team. However, the procurement of a talent like Kane who is an impeccable goalscorer would be extremely beneficial to ten Hag’s squad.
Randal Kolo Muani
Dynamic Frankfurt forward Randal Kolo Muani is the least known, but most intriguing forward on this list. Kolo Muani achieved global acclaim after a great World Cup campaign, where he scored in the semi-finals to send France to the finals. What makes the French international so appealing to Manchester United is his ability to play a number of positions, playing up front when needed, but also providing defensive relief when necessary.
However, the move for Kolo Muani may be risky for United, with some labelling Frankfurt’s projected asking price of £105 million as an overpay for unproven talent, as this would surpass Pogba’s record transfer in 2016, making Kolo Muani the most expensive transfer in United history. Nevertheless, Kolo Muani may be the best fit with Ten Hag’s current squad.
Which of these strikers would you like to see United purchase?