Romano reveals the signing Man Utd MUST make to help in-form Hojlund

Cameron Smith

• 26 Feb 2024 10:47 CST
• 3 min read

Fabrizio Romano believes that signing an experienced Premier League striker should be Manchester United’s transfer priority this summer amid their search for a new number nine.

Rasmus Hojlund joined the Red Devils for €73.9 million from Atalanta last year and after a shaky start to life at Old Trafford, he has scored seven goals in his last six Premier League appearances and looks to be the perfect man to lead Man Utd’s line for the next decade.

However, Erik ten Hag’s side are still hoping to sign another centre-forward this summer as they prepare for Anthony Martial’s departure when his contract at the club expires at the end of June.

Transfer expert Romano discussed Man Utd’s centre-forward pursuit in an article for CaughtOffside. He revealed: “Man Utd are also planning to sign a new striker in the summer transfer window - the plan is very clear, they are waiting for a new director and a new board structure, but they want a new number nine.

“They will obviously respect the great numbers of Rasmus Hojlund and he will remain at the club, but one more striker is needed because Anthony Martial will leave Old Trafford as a free agent, there are no doubts about that,” he said.

“United still have to decide, however, if they want to go for a young player or an experienced player. There will be internal discussions about that, and United will take their time despite rumours about Joshua Zirkzee and Mathys Tel.

“We’ll see what they decide in the coming weeks and months, but for sure a new striker will be a core part of their plans for the summer.

Romano continued: “Personally, I think Hojlund still has huge potential and I’ve been so impressed with his performances recently, so maybe an experienced striker who knows the league could help to make an instant impact and also to support Hojlund while he’s still developing.”

Which experienced Premier League striker could Man Utd sign?

Callum Wilson, Michail Antonio and even former Red Devils forward Danny Welbeck all fit into the bracket of experienced Premier League forwards, although fans may not feel they are of the level required to deputise for Hojlund if he suffers an injury.

Despite that, Welbeck has been an underrated player for almost the duration of his entire career and Roberto De Zerbi has even preferred him over the highly-rated Evan Ferguson at Brighton for most of this season.

The likes of Ivan Toney, Ollie Watkins and Dominic Solanke all fit the brief of experienced Premier League strikers too and while they would be able to make an instant impact at Old Trafford, all three would demand a regular starting spot if they were to join Man Utd.

As a result, Welbeck may be the best choice if the Red Devils do pursue an experienced English top flight centre-forward.