If you think Manchester United have a striker shortage, you’re not alone. France Under-21 striker Amine Gouiri scored ten goals in 38 Ligue 1 games for Nice last season. A mobile target man, he could fill the role of a false nine at United. If not, you should consider the free-agent prospect Amine Gouiri.
Jonathan David
Jonathan David, a France Under-21 striker, is available for around PS42m this summer. His attacking ability and good positioning make him an ideal addition to the United side. A free agent could also offer the possibility of an exchange deal with the swashbuckling Erik ten Hag st., as well as a chance to play as a false nine.
Elanga is right-footed and uses pace and skill to beat a man. He often cuts in before shooting on goal, and a solo run reminiscent of a young Ryan Giggs is a highlight. Elanga has been with Manchester United since the U12s, joining the academy from Sunday League side Hattersley FC. He was capped twice by Sweden’s U17s, and impressed Solskjaer in training.
The French giants will look to add a new striker to their ranks after their title defence with Lille came to an end. While the club had been following David, Liverpool spotted his potential and swooped for him. However, David has been prolific since he arrived in France in 2018. He has scored 28 goals in 75 matches for Lille. In addition to his recent form, Lille won Ligue 1 in the 2020/21 season.
Everton have been dreadful in recent weeks, so it is likely to be a good time to get him back into the Premier League. Despite the striker’s recent struggles, the club are only third choice and will be looking over his shoulder. With a top six club at their disposal, he could be the man to turn Everton’s fortunes around.
Brian Brobbey
If Man Utd can rescind their ban on David Davies, they have a good chance of landing a free agent who fits Erik ten Hag’s mould. The 22-year-old is a target man and has good match-reading intelligence. He’s also a goal-scorer with a capital G. And he’s a youngster, whose development is likely to be rapid. As a free agent, he could help Manchester United harvest their transfer budget.
Elanga was a promising player in Sweden with Malmo 2000-2005. He was called up to the Cameroon national team and won the Swedish league in 2004 and 2010. He has won 17 caps for his country. The free agent’s contract will be worth 42 million pounds. He is a good fit with Erik ten Hag as he is a natural right-footed striker who uses his pace to beat his man.
As a former West Ham defender, Pogba’s swashbuckling style won over fans and critics. The Belgian had a similar style to Ray Stewart, but isn’t a’muscle-bound’ footballer. However, he possessed fierce determination and great passing ability.
The free agent’s injury has a serious effect on his ability to play in England. Vieira has the same style of play as ten Hag, but he was born in Denmark. The striker’s physical build was impressive, and he didn’t hesitate to contest every ball. He also never backed down from challenges.
Frenkie de Jong doesn’t want to join Manchester United, despite the free transfer fee being agreed with Barcelona. The Dutchman hasn’t won a trophy since 2017, so he is keen to remain at the Nou Camp. The striker has been linked with Manchester United for a while, but United are unlikely to land him.
Dusan Tadic
Louis van Gaal’s versatile approach has rewarded the Red Devils with free-runs on attacking players. At Ajax, Van Gaal used technical players as well as physical front men to great effect. The Dutchman’s lead striker was Klaas-Jan Huntelaar, who could be interchanged with Donny van de Beek. Another option is Hakim Ziyech, who could provide more attacking midfield balance.
Manchester United have agreed a fee with Barcelona for Frenkie de Jong. The striker is a free agent and could join the Red Devils during the summer transfer window. However, it is likely that he won’t join Manchester United if Ronaldo stays at the club. In addition to the Barcelona-based player, United are also in the market for a striker who can fit their style of play.
While United are looking for a new No 9, Schick has impressed the manager. The 22-year-old has the skills and intelligence to stretch defences and attack gaps from deep. He has a big upside and should flourish at the club. The move to Lille makes sense for both parties and could help United make the most of their transfer budget.
Despite the high valuation, this striker has a history of putting his body on the line. He scored five goals in his last three games in the Eredivisie, but had one penalty pointedly to his head. The Welshman’s last game was at the same level, but Benfica were not as threatening after that.
Anthony Elanga
The Swedish international has been linked with a move to Manchester United, but he is unlikely to leave in the January transfer window. He is a natural striker who can play out wide and through the middle, and is a right-footed attacker. His father was also a footballer, earning 17 caps for his country. The football-mad Elanga has been at the club since he was a boy and has already impressed Solskjaer in training.
Schick is an excellent finisher, and he shoots well from a range of positions. His match-reading intelligence and finish make him a potential option for Manchester United. And he can help the club dominate possession, too. If he can score goals, it’s a win-win situation. A striker of his calibre could make it happen for United.
If United are to improve their season, they must bring in attacking reinforcements. They have scouted the market for a new No. 9, and Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Anthony Martial have all given Erik ten Hag some hope for a new frontman. With Ronaldo’s performance at the World Cup, United will need to rebuild their squad around the 35-year-old. The new striker will be part of that process, and will likely play a crucial role in the 2023-27 season.
