Tipped to welcome a new manager in Jose Mourinho and set to miss out on Champions League qualification – at least through the traditional route of a top four finish in the Premier League – much change is expected at Manchester United during the summer transfer window.
Indeed, the whole squad could do with a makeover but if there’s one department particularly requiring the club’s attention in the transfer market, it’s up front. United have scored the fewest goals of any side in the Premier League’s top seven this season, just 37, and that’s hardly surprising.
Indeed, although Louis van Gaal’s much-maligned tactics remain an important factor, Wayne Rooney is by no means the goalscoring extraordinary he once was, whilst summer signing Anthony Martial has only hit the bag in fits and spurts this season despite his obvious potential.
They may come at considerably greater cost than their foreign counterparts, but there’s nothing quite like signing a striker with proven scoring credentials in the English top flight, who can easily transition his potency to another Premier League club.
With that mind, here are FIVE Premier League frontmen Manchester United should target during the summer transfer window.
ODION IGHALO
Odion Ighalo may lack the star-studded allure Manchester United fans crave but the Nigerian international’s scoring record in English football has been nothing short of phenomenal since signing for Watford at the start of last season.
The Nigerian international helped fire the Hornets into the top tier, netting 20 times in the Championship last term, and has managed to transition his potent scoring form to the Premier League with 14 goals so far this season.
That has made Ighalo the Premier League’s top individual contributor, bagging 52% of Watford’s 27 league goals, but rumour has it the Vicarage Road outfit are already preparing to sell with Granada’s Isaac Success lined up as his replacement.
26 years of age, proven in the Premier League and allegedly valued at around £12million, Ighalo seems like a punt worth taking.
HARRY KANE
Many scoffed at Manchester United’s reported interest in Harry Kane last summer but the Tottenham front-man has now proved he’s not a one-season wonder, boasting 17 league strikes from his second campaign in the Spurs first-team.
In addition to his firepower, the England international comes with many appealing traits. He’s home-grown, has the strength and aerial ability to operate as a lone front-man, links up well and works hard for the team, essentially becoming the poster-boy of the highly-effective Mauricio Pochettino philosophy.
Even if Manchester United were to pay the £60million-odd valuation often mooted in the tabloids, the 22-year-old represents one of the soundest long-term investments in the Premier League.
The ultimate question, however, is whether the Red Devils can convince Spurs to sell their star man to a direct Premier League rival – something chairman Daniel Levy has often refused to do in the past. Likewise, Kane won’t have much interest in jumping ship if Spurs finish above United in the Premier League this season.
CHRISTIAN BENTEKE
Christian Benteke’s stock may not be at its highest right now, finding himself a peripheral figure in Jurgen Klopp’s plans and seemingly incompatible with his much hyped ‘gegenpressing’ philosophy.
But they say one man’s trash is another’s gold and the Belgium international is a talented striker with proven Premier League pedigree, boasting 49 goals from his three campaigns spearheading a woeful Aston Villa side.
Old Trafford isn’t exactly a welcome home of old-fashioned target men and usually, Benteke would end up suffering the same kind of problems that currently see him stuck on the bench at Anfield.
But Jose Mourinho, expected to be appointed United boss this summer, has always favoured big-n-burly centre forwards of the 25-year-old’s description and seemingly surplus to requirements on Merseyside, Liverpool will likely be forced to sell Benteke at a loss this summer.
Of course, whether the two north-west clubs can put aside their rivalry to conduct some business – for the first time since 1964 – remains to be seen.
AYOZE PEREZ
Perhaps a slightly left-field suggestion, considering Ayoze Perez has never been a consistent goalscroer and is currently part of a Newcastle United side that look destined to tumble out of the Premier League come the end of May.
Nonetheless, the Spaniard is an incredibly promising prospect laden with technical ability – Alan Pardew claims he has faster feet than Carlos Tevez and Teddy Sheringham – and some of his goals in the Premier League have been absolutely stunning.
The 22-year-old is by no means the finished article. But capable of playing in a variety of positions across the midfield and attack, he can still contribute to the Manchester United squad whilst continuing his development.
Furthermore, should Newcastle plummet out of the top flight, they may be forced to sell Perez for a knock-down rate in the coming transfer window.
ROMELU LUKAKU
In my opinion, any search for a striker who offers longevity and proven Premier League scoring credentials should probably begin and end with Everton’s Romelu Lukaku.
Indeed, the Belgian front-man already boasts 60 goals from his 140 appearances in the top flight, a simply phenomenal record for a 22-year-old still learning his trade, alongside eleven goals in 42 outings for his country.
The current campaign feels like a particularly poignant one in the 6 foot 3 striker’s career. He’s already reached a career-best 18 goals in the Premier League with nine games remaining and has proved himself as a very complete goalscorer, netting five times with his right foot, nine times with his left, four headers and once from outside the box.
With world-class frontmen largely in short supply, it seems inevitable a major club will come calling this summer. The Toffees, however, are reluctant to sell and reportedly value Lukaku at a whopping £56million – double their original investment.