In less than a month, the excitement will be palpable at Old Trafford as Manchester United gear up to kick off their 2023-24 Premier League campaign against Wolverhampton Wanderers. The summer transfer window has seen only one notable arrival so far, with Mason Mount making a switch from Chelsea to join the Red Devils. However, the hunt for a new number nine has proven to be quite frustrating for the club.
The departure of Cristiano Ronaldo in 2022 left a significant void in the squad, and Wout Weghorst’s loan spell from Burnley couldn’t quite fill the gap for the Netherlands international. It’s no secret that Manchester United desperately needs a quality forward. While dreams of landing Tottenham Hotspur’s Harry Kane or Napoli’s Victor Osimhen were on the table, the chances of acquiring either this summer seem slim.
Tottenham’s chairman, Daniel Levy, appears unwilling to sell Kane to a domestic rival, while Napoli demands a hefty £170m for Osimhen, making Paris Saint-Germain the only club seemingly capable of affording the Nigerian forward, according to the Italian club’s president, Aurelio de Laurentiis.
As the search continues, the spotlight has now turned to Rasmus Hojlund, who has emerged as Manchester United’s top target for bolstering their attacking front. The young Danish talent showcased his potential last season, netting 10 goals and providing four assists in 34 appearances for Atalanta BC in his first campaign in Italian football. Moreover, he already boasts six goals in six appearances for Denmark, highlighting his promise and talent.
However, some argue that Manchester United should consider securing another forward alongside Hojlund. Porto’s Mehdi Taremi is one of the possible options under consideration, and the prospect of him joining the Red Devils is not far-fetched.
Last season, Marcus Rashford proved to be Manchester United’s top scorer, finding the net 30 times across all competitions. As the 2023-24 campaign approaches, much will be expected from the 24-year-old forward to deliver impressive numbers yet again. Bruno Fernandes, who tallied 14 goals, will likely play a prominent role in the midfield alongside Casemiro and Mount, forming a formidable three-man midfield lineup.
While Anthony Martial secured the third spot with nine goals in 29 appearances, his injury woes raise concerns about his reliability. His future at Old Trafford may hinge on whether Manchester United successfully sign two attacking players this summer.
The club’s forward lineup could be further affected by the uncertain situation surrounding Jadon Sancho. The talented Englishman has yet to replicate the dazzling form he displayed at Borussia Dortmund, attracting interest from several clubs monitoring his status in Manchester.
With the team’s pre-season underway, manager Ten Hag faces crucial decisions regarding the likes of Amad Diallo and Facundo Pellistri. Diallo impressed on loan at Sunderland, earning a chance to make a case for a spot in the first team during the pre-season. Pellistri might head out on loan this summer to gain regular playing time, which is vital for his career development at this stage.
As Ten Hag contemplates his options, it’s clear that a seasoned striker is essential for Manchester United’s success. While the pursuit of Harry Kane and Victor Osimhen seems to have hit roadblocks, the club may be wise to explore the possibility of signing Porto’s prolific scorer Mehdi Taremi, who is nearing the end of his contract.
The team’s preparations continue with an upcoming friendly against Lyon, followed by fixtures in the United States against Arsenal, Wrexham, Real Madrid, and Borussia Dortmund. As the clock ticks down to the start of the Premier League, Manchester United’s fans eagerly await the unveiling of their striking options and anticipate an enthralling season ahead.