Dusan Vlahovic is among the striker targets being considered by Manchester United this summer.
Manchester United are still considering the sale of Joshua Zirkzee this summer, and his exit would likely pave the way for a new striker signing.
According to iNews, United are monitoring Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins and free agent Dusan Vlahovic as two options.
Watkins would be a great ‘Plan B’ by offering a different style of play to Benjamin Sesko, while Vlahovic would help to maintain a level of consistency in the way that United play.
Torino FC v Juventus FC - Serie A
Photo by Image Photo Agency/Getty Images
CHOOSE: Sign Ollie Watkins or Dusan Vlahovic this summer?
According to iNews, Manchester United are monitoring Ollie Watkins and Dusan Vlahovic as striker targets
Ollie Watkins Dusan Vlahovic
How Dusan Vlahovic helps Man United tactically
In pre-season, Michael Carrick has made it clear he wants to substitute chaos for control in the way that United play. The Red Devils are being drilled to play a possession-based style of football that suffocates opponents.
Having Benjamin Sesko up front is a great way for United to break down low blocks, as the Slovenian is able to use his physicality, athleticism and aerial dominance to be a threat from every kind of pass.
Dusan Vlahovic has the same athletic traits as Benjamin Sesko
Vlahovic is just one inch smaller than Sesko, standing at 6ft 3in. The Serbia international is also experienced at using his height and athleticism to find the back of the net.
More United News
United will play in four competitions next season and Carrick will need a back-up for Sesko. By signing Vlahovic, Carrick ensures that United can play the same style of football regardless of who starts up front.
Like Sesko, Vlahovic thrives when the ball arrives to him inside the box.
As pointed out by SempreMilan, Vlahovic is dominant in the air, averaging 1.49 aerial duels won per 90 minutes.
Carrick is reinstating the use of traditional wingers at United. The likes of Patrick Dorgu and Bryan Mbeumo have extremely impressive crossing statistics.
Having Sesko and Vlahovic as a strike partnership guarantees that United will have a physical and aerial threat at all times.
Vlahovic will also offer the same threat with his running power. According to FotMob, Vlahovic was the second-fastest player in the Champions League last season, behind only Kylian Mbappe. He recorded a top speed of 34.8km/h.
WHO would be your ideal ‘experienced striker’ for Man United to sign this summer?
Who would benefit Sesko the most…
Manchester United v Brentford - Premier League
Photo by Mark Cosgrove/News Images/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Benjamin Sesko and Dusan Vlahovic can play together
Carrick’s time at United as a player was spent playing in a 4-4-2 shape under Sir Alex Ferguson.
The idea of a two-man strike partnership has since dissolved in modern football, but Carrick has used that shape during his management career with Middlesbrough.
If United are chasing a game or need extra presence up front, the partnership of Sesko and Vlahovic is a daunting one for any defensive line to handle.
Dusan Vlahovic can offer Champions League experience
Vlahovic spent the last four years of his career at Juventus, and his goal record is an impressive one with 68 goals in 168 appearances.
The Serbian also has Champions League experience with the Italian giants, and that will be valuable to a relatively young United squad heading into that tournament in 2026/27.
Join Our Newsletter
Receive a digest of our best United content each week direct to your mailbox