Manchester United are in the market for a striker this summer and it seemed like Benfica striker Darwin Nunez was at the top of Erik ten Hag’s wishlist.
The Dutchman, who was unveiled as United’s new manager last month, could already have sustained his first blow in the transfer market with the Uruguayan forward believed to be closing in on a move to Liverpool.
Edinson Cavani will leave United at the end of this month when his contract expires and Anthony Martial is also expected to be sold. There is little clarity on Mason Greenwood’s situation and Cristiano Ronaldo is yet to confirm whether he will be staying for a second year.
That leaves a gaping hole in United’s frontline and Robert Lewandowski, the Bayern Munich and Poland star, is now being monitored.
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That’s according to The Sun, who say that United will join the race to sign Lewandowski if his proposed move to Barcelona falls through.
As per the report, Barcelona will be unable to sign the veteran forward if they are unable to free up room on the wage bill and that’s where United could swoop in.
The 33-year-old is currently embroiled in a public dispute with his club and has already confirmed that he has his eyes on a move to Barcelona.
“I have not considered any other offer than that of Barcelona,” the former Borussia Dortmund star told Onet Sport.
SN’s verdict…
Manchester United have made a habit out of signing aging strikers in recent years, with Radamel Falcao, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Edinson Cavani and Cristiano Ronaldo being some of the player signed on short-term commitments.
Some of the signings have worked out and others haven’t but most United supporters would like to see the club sign a young striker with a view for the forward to lead United’s frontline for several years.
Lewandowski remains one of the most potent goalscorers in Europe but whether he’s what United need is up for debate.