With Joshua Zirkzee’s future uncertain, Michael Carrick must find a clinical backup. From Eredivisie stars to explosive free agents, these three bargain targets could solve United’s goal-scoring crisis.
Manchester United need a striker
More Videos
Manchester United are halfway through their pre-season after the impressive 2-1 victory against Atletico Madrid. The Red Devils still have three games left against PSG, Leeds United and AC Milan.
In eighteen days, Michael Carrick's side take on Hull City in their first game of the Premier League season, meaning any future transfers would ideally be bought between them to help them understand Carrick's system.
Signing a third midfielder or Lewis Hall at left-back has been highly touted as the main targets for the club, but the need for a backup striker should not go under the radar.
Joshua Zirkzee is seemingly a player who could leave Old Trafford, leaving Benjamin Sesko as the only option up front. Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha and Marcus Rashford can all play there, but their best positions are on the wings.
The likes of Danny Welbeck and Ollie Watkins have been ruled out as options, so here are three bargain options that could fill that gap.
Ayase Ueda
Playing for Feyenoord, Ueda is off the back of a hugely prolific season in the Eredivisie. The Japanese striker was the top goal scorer in the Dutch league with an impressive 25 goals under the tutelage of then-manager Robin Van Persie.
He is also the starting striker for his country with 18 goals and went to the World Cup, where he bagged two goals and one assist.
At 6ft tall, the striker has a physical presence but offers a similar profile to Sesko in terms of being good in the air and able to combine with his teammates, which is much needed with the pace United have on either wing.
Furthermore, he has the capacity to operate more as a poacher if the club need an option off the bench when they have to go for it.
The Feyenoord man is valued at £17 million by Transfermarkt but would be more likely to leave for around £25-30 million. He is also wanted by the likes of Leeds United and Brighton as options, so a Premier League move could be on the cards regardless.
Bamba Dieng
The 26-year-old Senegalese striker is currently a free agent and might be a very high-risk option, but could be worth a potential gamble. Dieng bagged 15 goals in all competitions for Lorient, which is by far his most prolific season.
He is very explosive and a very good dribbler, which makes him an excellent profile to bring on to face tired legs or if United need a goal.
Against teams that play a high line or have acres of space behind the defence, his lightning pace would be dangerous.
However, the most appealing part of this deal is the fact that he would be coming on a free transfer, which would give United a perfectly capable stopgap option for now before finding a more established name next season.
As midfield reinforcements arrive at Old Trafford, Michael Carrick’s tactical shift reveals a homegrown solution. Discover how the youngster is evolving into the elite deep-lying playmaker United crave.roundtable.ioMan Utd Already Have Their No.6 – His Name Is Kobbie Mainoo
As midfield reinforcements arrive at Old Trafford, Michael Carrick’s tactical shift reveals a homegrown solution. Discover how the youngster is evolving into the elite deep-lying playmaker United crave.
Patrich Schick
A name well known to many thanks to his exploits for club and country, the 30-year-old is in arguably some of his best goal-scoring form. Last season he scored 16 league goals and 24 goals the year before, showing the pedigree he has.
Schick would be a shrewd signing given he is a different profile to the all-round profile of striker Sesko. The Bayer Leverkusen man relies on his intelligence and clever off-the-ball runs to give both himself and his teammates space to operate in.
At six foot three, he is a big physical presence in the box and an ice-cool finisher, which means he is someone who can not only fill in well for Sesko, especially in Europe, but is someone who could help mentor the Slovenian.
According to Transfermarkt, he is valued at £15 million, which seems reasonable for someone of his age and experience.
Ueda the best option
While Schick has the most pedigree and most experience, and Dieng is by far the cheapest deal, Ueda offers the most all-round value.
At 27, he is in his prime and clearly has the most similar profile to Sesko, which means Carrick does not need to drastically change the system to fit in the Japanese man.
Furthermore, out of him and Schick, he would be more likely to accept having that role as deputy for Sesko, given that Schick has usually operated as the first-choice option.
Regardless of who the club bring in, a striker has to be on the agenda for the club, as we have seen how the club can struggle without an out-and-out nine.