Dimitar Berbatov believes Manchester United should make a move for Juventus forward Mario Mandzukic.
United have desperately struggled for goals so far this season and have scored just once in their last three outings.
The club failed to replace proven goalscorer Romelu Lukaku and Alexis Sanchez this summer, leaving just Marcus Rashford, Anthony Martial and Mason Greenwood as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s recognised attackers.
Mandzukic was linked with a move to Old Trafford late in the summer window, but a move for the 33-year-old did not materialise on deadline day.
Berbatov, who scored 48 goals in his time at United, has identified the Croatian international as a potential target, suggesting he could have a similar impact at the club as Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
NEXT:Manchester United still ranked as best Premier League team ever despite woeful few years
“They have the talent in the young players but at the same time you need someone like Mandzukic,” the former United striker Berbatov told Betfair, as quoted by TeamTalk.
“I think he is a really good football player and he hasn’t played before in England, but I hope if he comes he can straight away get into the rhythm of the Premier League.
“Zlatan Ibrahimovic was 34 years old when he signed for United and he didn’t have any problems.
“Mandzukic is a similar age and hope he could have the same impact if he signs.
“I think his age is a good thing, (Anthony) Martial, (Marcus) Rashford and (Mason) Greenwood are all young players so they need that time and assurance that they don’t need to worry and they can learn from the experience of Mandzukic.”
Solskjaer is relying on too many youngsters and needs some experience to provide some balance within the squad.
Whilst Mandzukic is ageing and would only provide a short-term solution to United’s problems , he would offer an alternative attacking outlet for Solskjaer and has experience playing at the very highest level.
