Manchester United scored six goals in two games before the international break but this shouldn’t mask the necessity for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer to target a striker in the January transfer window.
The Reds were left short in attacking options this summer as Romelu Lukaku was not replaced after leaving for Inter Milan on deadline day.
Anthony Martial has been fantastic in his desired central attacking role this season, but United don’t look like scoring when the Frenchman is not on the pitch and severely suffered during his long-term injury layoff.
A recognised striker to provide competition for Martial should be prioritised by Solskjaer in the upcoming January window.
Here are three strikers United potentially sign:
READ MORE: Opinion: Solskjaer’s United starting to build momentum with dangerous attacking trio
Erling Haaland
Haaland is the name everyone is talking about at the moment; the 19-year-old has become one of football’s hottest properties. He has scored a sensational 15 goals in just 12 Austrian Bundesliga games for Red Bull Salzburg so far this season and has seven in just four Champions League appearances. United lack natural goalscorers in their ranks and Haaland’s record at such a young age simply cannot be ignored. There is no doubt that he will be coveted be top clubs across Europe, but Solskjaer’s connection with the striker from his time at Molde would hopefully prove pivotal should United make a move to sign him.
Mario Mandzukic
According to Sky Sports, the Juventus striker remains a transfer option for the Reds in January. Mandzukic was heavily linked with a move to Old Trafford in the summer to replace Lukaku, but a deal could not be completed on deadline day. Since then, the 33-year-old is yet to play any first-team football under Mauricio Sarri. While the Croatian international is an attainable target and has a wealth of experience, he would only be a short-term solution and not the kind of player who Solskjaer should be looking to build his team around.
Callum Wilson
ESPN report that Wilson is one of the targets being considered if a move fror Haaland does not materialise. The 27-year-old scored 14 Premier League goals for Bournemouth in the last campaign and already has five this season so would certainly come with some pedigree. Wilson would likely command a huge fee from Eddie Howe’s side who would have no reason to sell their star striker who remains a key figure in their squad.
Haaland is by the far the most exciting name in this list of realistic striker options and United should do everything they can to prize him away from Austria. The teenager is destined for big things and Solskjaer will be well aware of what he has to offer. ESPN report that Haaland is already being valued at around £85m so we will have to wait and see if this hefty price tag will put United off a deal in January.
