Man Utd’s four-man striker shortlist this summer

Suraj Radia

• 28 Feb 2023 18:45 GMT
• 2 min read

Manchester United will prioritise the signing of a striker this summer and the club have four players in particular on their shortlist as they look to build on Erik ten Hag’s impressive debut season.

United currently sit in the top four of the Premier League on the back of securing their maiden trophy under Ten Hag and their first in six years after beating Newcastle to win the EFL Cup.

Although United have the fourth-best scoring record in the league this season, 14 of their 41 goals have come from Marcus Rashford and the club are looking to bring in a number nine to ease the pressure on him.

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The Manchester Evening News report that the club are interested in Napoli’s Victor Osimhen, who is the second-top scorer in Europe this season, while United are long-term admirers of Tottenham striker Harry Kane.

However, with Napoli under no pressure to sell Osimhen due to their impending Serie A title win and Tottenham likely to resist selling their star player to a Premier League rival, each player could cost in excess of £100 million and United have considered alternative options.

Ten Hag is reported as being impressed by Benfica’s Goncalo Ramos, as well as Ajax’s Mohamed Kudus, who the United boss believes has the attributes to excel in the Premier League.

United looking to solve striker troubles by selling fringe players

Ten Hag’s side have struggled to find a consistent goalscorer outside of Rashford, with Bruno Fernandes the club’s next highest scorer in the league with five goals and the likes of Jadon Sancho, Antony and Anthony Martial unconvincing with their output.

Wout Weghorst has led the line under Ten Hag since signing in January but the 30-year-old has just one goal in his 12 appearance so far in all competitions and is likely to return to Burnley when his loan expires.

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Ten Hag is also believed to be pushing for a midfielder, with Jude Bellingham and Frenkie de Jong the dream targets, as well as a new centre-back if Harry Maguire is sold along with a host of fringe players.

United have briefed that there are likely to be more departures than incomings in the summer and a list has been complied of the players the club are prepared to sell, featuring players such as Martial, Maguire and Alex Telles.