Manchester United are keen to bolster their frontline with the addition of a proven goalscorer in January after overseeing their worst start to a season in 61 years.
One name among the mix is FC Porto talisman Mehdi Taremi, who was included in MailSport’s reported three-man shortlist that the Red Devils have drawn up; Ivan Toney and Victor Osimhen were the other options, though they’ll come at a significantly higher fee.
Currently, Erik ten Hag is relying almost solely on Rasmus Hojlund and Anthony Martial to lead the line, with Marcus Rashford occasionally deployed at no.9 if injuries or suspensions come into play. Between the trio this season, they have just one Premier League goal.
To make matters worse, attackers Antony, Alejandro Garnacho, Facundo Pellistri and the now-exiled Jadon Sancho are yet to find the back of the net in the top flight.
United’s interest in Taremi
With his contract due to expire at the end of the campaign, United may opt to hold fire in pursuit of Taremi – unless they’re able to sign him on a cut-price deal.
He would provide experience to the strikeforce as well as take some of the burdens off of youngster Hojlund and, judging by his output last season, he’s more than capable of coming in clutching when needed; the 31-year-old notched a remarkable 31 goals and 14 assists for Porto in the 2022/23 campaign.
Transfer journalist Dean Jones weighed in on United’s chances of acquiring the Iran international, telling GiveMeSport: “I do think there is truth to it. I think that the problem with it as it stands is that there really aren’t that many players that are available and have the level of experience that Manchester United actually need. So if you consider that they want somebody to help bring on Hojlund but also have an edge about them and a scare factor themselves, there aren’t many. I do think that Mehdi Taremi is a really good option. Manchester United have liked Taremi for a long time and I personally think he is a player that they should be looking at.”
