Manchester United will be on the lookout for a striker for the 2022/2023 season. Manchester United had their worst season in 2021/2022, with nearly three different managers....CONTINUE READING
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, who took over at the start of the 2021/2022 season, was fired in November 2021 after failing to get things right with the squad.
Micheal Carrick will take over as manager for four games before Manchester United boss Ralf Rangnick takes over as interim manager. The German coach was powerless to intervene as they finished trophyless and failed to qualify for the Champions League.
Cristiano Ronaldo, 37, is Manchester United’s leading scorer with 24 goals and 4 assists in 38 games. Man United clearly requires merciful restructuring. Particularly in the striking position where they have lost Edison Cavani.
Manchester United cannot rely on Ronaldo because he is getting older. So, with that in mind, let’s take a look at the four strikers Manchester United could potentially sign in the current transfer market.
4. Jonathan David (Lille)
Canadian striker Jonathan David has made a name for himself with his performances for Lille over the last two seasons. In the 2021-22 season, he scored 19 goals in 48 appearances across all competitions for Lille.
Despite struggling for form towards the end of the season, David remained one of Lille’s most important players due to his overall contributions on the field.
The dynamic forward from Canada can play as a number 9 as well as an attacking midfielder behind the striker. In May, CBS Sports reported that Manchester United manager Ten Hag had identified David as a summer transfer target.
Only 22 years old, David can provide a long-term solution to United’s pressing issues. His movement is flawless, and once he hits the afterburners, there is no stopping him. His link-up play is also commendable.
David is still a work in progress. However, if he were to join Manchester United and be mentored by Ronaldo, he has the potential to develop into a top striker.
3. Victor Osimhen (Napoli)
Due to multiple injuries, Napoli striker Victor Osimhen’s participation in the 2021-22 season was limited. He still managed 18 goals and six assists in 32 appearances for the Partenopei across all competitions.
Osimhen’s absence due to various injury issues had a negative impact on Napoli’s Serie A title challenge last season. The 23-year-old has a promising future in the game. He is a tall, strong, and quick striker who, with his movement and ability to hold the ball, can be a frightening presence in the final third.
Manchester United have previously been linked with Osimhen, and at only 23 years old, he could be a welcome addition to their attacking department.
2. Patrik Schick (Bayer Leverkusen)
Patrik Schick of Bayer Leverkusen was a prolific goal scorer last season. The tall and powerful Czech Republic center-forward was also the tournament’s joint-top scorer (5 goals) with Cristiano Ronaldo.
Schick has the potential to be an excellent frontman for Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United project. The 26-year-old is not only a good finisher due to his striking and heading abilities, but he is also an excellent hold-up player.
He’s the type of striker who can help Manchester United’s pacy wingers Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho get more involved. Schick has excellent technique and is also skilled at moving the ball.
He did, however, sign a contract extension with Bayer Leverkusen on May 26, tying him to the club until 2027. This means that the Bundesliga club is under no obligation to sell, and United will have to pay a fortune to acquire him.
However, there is little doubt that Schick could be a fantastic long-term successor to Ronaldo at Manchester United.
1. Lautaro Martinez (Inter Milan)
Lautaro Martinez of Inter Milan is one of the best young strikers in the world. He was instrumental in Inter Milan’s Serie A title triumph in 2020-21. Last season, the Argentina international was a standout performer for the Nerazzurri.
In 49 appearances across all competitions for Inter Milan in the 2021-22 season, he scored 25 goals and provided four assists. The 24-year-old is a technically gifted striker with excellent dribbling and finishing skills.
Martinez’s small stature may fool opponents into thinking he’s a pushover, but he’s far from it. He is quite strong and also a workhorse. Martinez would be an excellent addition to Manchester United’s roster.
Tottenham Hotspur, on the other hand, have been heavily linked with the Argentine striker this summer. Last week (June 17), Italian journalist Alfredo Pedulla predicted that Spurs would make a bid in excess of €90 million for Martinez.
Manchester United could sign four strikers ahead of the 2022/2023 season.
