The form of Wayne Rooney is up for debate here in the Football Transfer Tavern.
The Manchester United captain has failed to find the back of the net in 10 games for his club, although those keen to defend his form point out he had a goal wrongly disallowed for offside during the 0-0 draw with Newcastle yesterday.
With little more than a week of the transfer window remaining, a striker to support the England captain must be seen as a transfer priority for Louis van Gaal, with the Red Devils having managed just two goals in their opening three league matches – one of which was an own goal from Tottenham’s Kyle Walker.
Rooney remains a world class player, but has looked increasingly isolated and unwilling to run in behind defences during the opening weeks of the season.
Here we have identified five strikers United should target this week that could offer Rooney some support in his quest for goals.
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Click on Wayne Rooney to reveal five strikers United should target to offer him some support
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Karim Benzema
Real Madrid have made it clear they have no desire to sell Karim Benzema this summer, but reports linking him with a move to Arsenal are refusing to go away.
It would be classic Manchester United to come in and steal him with a big money offer before the close of the transfer window, although they would be hoping this move turned out better than when they pipped the Gunners to the signing of Radamel Falcao on the last summer deadline day.
Benzema’s goal record in Spain suggests he might just do a better job than the Colombian’s four league goals last season.
Fernando Llorente
Manchester United fans appear to still be in denial about the fact their team now play a more direct style of football – despite not boasting a natural target man.
Juventus striker Fernando Llorente would certainly help them play in that manner, with the 6ft 5 striker a real handful on his day.
The Italian giants are willing to sell as well, although United may have to move quick, with Europa League winners Sevilla trying to force through a deal this week.
Harry Kane
One of the stars of the 2014-15 season, United have already been linked with a £40million move for Harry Kane this summer.
It would take more money than that to convince Tottenham to part with their prized asset, but when has money been an obstacle for Ed Woodward and company?
Kane fired more than 30 goals in all competitions last season, and would form a partnership with Wayne Rooney that would not only benefit United but the England national side also.
Saido Berahino
If not Tottenham’s number one striker, then why not Tottenham’s number one transfer target? Saido Berahino is available for the right price this summer – £25million – and impressed last season by scoring 20 goals in a struggling side.
What would be smart about this move is the fact Berahino has what United are so sorely lacking – pace and the ability to run in behind.
He would also boost their ‘homegrown’ quota, after another summer of paying big money for mostly foreign talent.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic
Louis van Gaal has already stated he wants to add a ‘galactico’ to his Manchester United squad, and Zlatan Ibrahimovic certainly falls into that category.
The Swedish superstar has been linked with a move away from Paris St Germain this summer, with United being one of the few clubs who could match his asking price and his wage demands.
It would be something of a gamble for United, with Ibrahimovic having never played in English football before – but imagine the scenes on deadline day!
