Manchester United have shown some great improvements this term, fighting high in the Premier League table, but there are still some concerns regarding Louis Van Gaal’s side.
One of the biggest of these issues has been up-front, where United are proving to become over reliant on young Anthony Martial as captain Wayne Rooney continues to struggle for form. With no-one in the squad ready to take the mantle, United have to dip into the transfer window.
Van Gaal has the money to spend, and he’s shown in the past he’s not afraid of splashing the cash, which means it could be a very exciting month for United in January- but who exactly should they sign?
We’ve scoured the Transfer Tavern, speaking to the United fans, asking them who they want and they’ve given us some interesting responses- this five could fire the Red Devils to the Premier League title with ease!
Click Anthony Martial celebrating below to see FIVE strikers Manchester United must sign in January!
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Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang
Borussia Dortmund striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has been on fire for the Bundesliga side this season, setting a record as he found the net in the first eight league games of the season; with ten goals in total, though his record halted in the victory over Mainz last night.
The Gabonese international has proved himself to be one of the most exciting strikers in European football and his blistering pace causes defenders nightmares throughout the games he played.
At United, he’d combine superbly with Anthony Martial and would thrive with the balls put through by Wayne Rooney, who could work superbly behind the duo in a number ten role. Aubameyang can also operate out-wide, adding some versatility to the squad.
Alexandre Lacazette
Alexandre Lacazette was one of the most sought-after strikers in European football over the summer, after a record-breaking goal haul in Ligue 1 last term, but his relationship with Lyon has soured after the president elected to make public the details of his new contract talks.
With just two goals this season, Lacazette is struggling and could be lured away in January. Lyon are also struggling in the league, failing to build-upon their title push last term, and if this doesn’t improve imminently then the French international may seek a new challenge.
The European Championships next summer could be crucial though, as Lacazette may decide to delay a move until the summer so that he doesn’t jeopardise his spot in Laurent Blanc’s side.
Edinson Cavani
Edinson Cavani has excelled with Paris Saint-Germain since moving to the French capital but is less regarded by the club, and fans, due to the excellent Zlatan Ibrahimovic; who recently became PSG’s all-time leading goalscorer.
Six goals in nine games so far this season for Cavani show his class and after numerous successes with the French giants he may be open to a Premier League switch- but if that were the case then United would face a lot of competition for his signature.
United have the cash for this not to be an issue though, so they shouldn’t be scared to battle-it-out with rival clubs.
Ayoze Perez
Not the high-profile striker that many would want- but Ayoze Perez is certainly a decent option, ticking all of the boxes. With Anthony Martial excelling and Wayne Rooney surely returning to form soon, it doesn’t need to be a world-beater.
Perez has experience of the Premier League and is young enough to develop into a much better player at Old Trafford, creating a deft partnership alongside Martial in the years to come. The 22-year-old has attracted interest from Spurs- but surely United is a better option?
Alexandre Pato
Alexandre Pato is a player that never quite hit the levels that many expected but he can do a decent job for Manchester United, which would provide Pato with the opportunity to prove himself at the highest level once again.
Now back in Brazil with Corinthians, a move to United would give Pato the chance to force his way into Brazil’s national side for the long-term. A reported £18.5m price-tag may cause United to baulk though, as it’s a heavy price.
Pato isn’t quite unproven though and given the prices spent on strikers recently, that price for Pato could prove to be a steal.
