Whether he’s in charge or not, Ralf Rangnick knows the big problem Manchester United has. Their interim manager declared this week that it’s “obvious” the club needs a new striker in the summer.
There are big question marks over the future of Cristiano Ronaldo and Edison Cavani. No one knows what may happen to Mason Greenwood and Marcus Rashford lacks consistency. The goals that Jadon Sancho used to score for Borussia Dortmund haven’t materialised in the Premier League.
After the 1-1 home draw with Southampton on February 12, United have scored over 20 goals less than both Manchester City and Liverpool. Rangnick is right, United need a top striker who will guarantee them at least 20 league goals a season Just who will that be though?
A lot depends on who the manager is next season. Mauricio Pochettino is the favourite to take the helm for the 2022/23 betting season. If he does decide to leave PSG and return to the English Premier League, then it’s inevitable certain rumours will begin.
The former Tottenham manager would be immediately finding out what the position is regarding Harry Kane. The England striker was tipped to join Manchester City last season but ended up staying at Tottenham. If Pochettino heads to Old Trafford, it may well be that Kane joins him soon after.
Is he the answer though? Kane has struggled for goals with Tottenham in the Premier League this season. He’s averaging around a goal every four game and way down on the number of assists he had last season. Is this just the behaviour of an unsettled player?
Kane would expect to get some great service from the United midfield. More chances coming his way should mean more goals and that’s what The Reds need.
Will Ronaldo be at Old Trafford next season? He’s not delivered the hatful of goals he has scored for every club he’s played for. If United don’t qualify for the Champions League and he has a few more games watching from the bench, Ronaldo may want to move. Perhaps if Pochettino arrives from PSG, he might go in the other direction or return to Real Madrid.
United are always linked with big transfer deals. It’s no surprise therefore that Erling Haaland is on their radar. Manchester City want him too, as do Real Madrid. Would he choose United over those two clubs?
Signing a player who regularly scores in the Premier League is a good idea. There’s no need to get used to the league, just your new surroundings. Everton’s Dominic Calvert-Lewin would be a good choice if he can stay fit. He can give his new teammates some fashion tips too.
United just have too many midfielders and strikers who aren’t coming up with the goods. Whether it be Paul Pogba, Bruno Fernandes, Jesse Lingard, Jadon Sancho, and Marcus Rashford, they should be contributing more goals. The same goes for Ronaldo of course and Cavani is hardly prolific, however much the fans love him.
If they are to challenge for the Premier League title, United need that top striker. It’s not an easy task and the team has to play in a way that will help the new signing as much as possible. Until that happens, United are going to continue to be a side that hope to get in the top four.
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