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A disappointing season means a summer rebuild is ahead at Manchester United — and who will lead the line next term is sure to be high on the agenda.
With Edinson Cavani set to leave the club when his contract expires, fellow veteran Cristiano Ronaldo is the Red Devils’ current only option up front.
That means a new striker is sure to come through the door so ahead of their Premier League clash with Leicester today, we have picked out five targets.
Harry Kane
Undoubtedly the most difficult deal to get done should they decide to pursue it.
Harry Kane’s failed move to Manchester City was one of the sagas of last summer and Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy is sure to be similarly reluctant to sell this time around given his striker’s fine form of late.
Despite appearing to be much happier at Spurs since manager Antonio Conte’s arrival, he recently refused to make any guarantees he will be at the club next term.
Just last week, he said: “My main focus is finishing this season. I can’t control what’s going to happen in the future, I want to be going into that tournament in the best form possible.”
With City now more likely to go in for the younger model in Erling Haaland, rivals United could be one of the 28-year-old’s next best options.
Recent reports suggest United will offer Anthony Martial to the North Londoners in return to sweeten any potential move for the England captain.
Darwin Nunez
Darwin Nunez’s name seems to be the top of most club’s list of striking targets this summer and United are the latest to be added.
An outstanding breakthrough season for Benfica has the likes of Arsenal, West Ham and Newcastle keenly watching on, so expect a tussle for the Uruguayan during the off-season.
The 22-year-old has managed an impressive 26 strikes in 33 games, including a memorable goalscoring performance in a famous 3-0 victory over Barcelona in the Champions League.
With Nunez’s form showing no signs of slowing up, he could be a transformative arrival for whomever manages to land him this summer.
Richarlison
United could look to take advantage of Everton’s struggles against relegation this season by pinching Brazilian forward Richarlison.
While only managing five strikes this term, 47 goals in 142 appearances since joining the Toffees in 2018 means he has the goalscoring pedigree to make himself a success at the Theatre of Dreams.
Regardless if the Merseysiders do stay up, their precarious position with regards to financial fair play mean departures from Goodison Park look likely.
Raising funds is key and the Toffees will know Richarlison is one they could demand a high price for if the Red Devils decide to make a move.
Jonathan David
Potentially more of a gamble than the other options but no doubt one United will consider given Jonathan David’s exploits for Lille.
The versatile forward has risen to prominence after 30 goals for the French side since the start of last season and a move to bigger things is surely on the horizon.
Expect Premier League rivals Arsenal to be among those also competing for the 22-year-old, who earlier this season opened the door to a move to England’s top flight.
The Canadian said: “I’m under contract at LOSC. The most important thing for me is to finish the season as well as possible.
“What happens after that, we will see. The Premier League attracts everyone. It is the most competitive league in the world. It is a really good league.”
Having helped Canada reach their first World Cup since 1986 last week, a strong performance at Qatar this winter could drive up his value further should he stay put in France for another campaign.
Tammy Abraham
Less than a year since he left Chelsea for Roma, Tammy Abraham could already be on his way back to England after a prolific season in Serie A.
A superb tally of 23 goals this term has seen the striker regain his place in the England team and it appears Roma are already bracing themselves for a raft of summer interest.
The Giallorossi have reportedly stuck a £100million price tag on the hotshot’s head to stave off rumoured interest from United and, again, Arsenal.
With whoever arrives at Old Trafford likely to be expected to hit the ground running, a proven Premier League goalscorer like Abraham could be the ideal option — though that hefty price tag could force the Red Devils to look elsewhere.
