Action images via reuters/ Peter Cziborra
Manchester United are being linked with a Premier League striker who has started the season in form. The Red Devils have a glaring need for a new frontman, and Leeds United striker Dominic Calvert-Lewis is reportedly seen as an option.
Michael Carrick saw his men pick up another underwhelming point on Sunday, with Matheus Cunha scoring a last-minute equaliser to avoid what could have been a damaging defeat at Craven Cottage against Fulham.
In Groundhog Day fashion, there are already conversations over whether United's appointment of a former player, this time Carrick, was the right decision in the long term after an impressive interim spell.
United have just one win in five Premier League games, and they also blew a two-goal lead against Brighton to crash out of the Carabao Cup last week. Concern is building, but it's also clear that key areas in this side were not addressed over the summer, with left-back having been an issue due to the lack of depth there, and there arguably aren't any good enough true strikers at Old Trafford.
Benjamin Sesko is the closest thing United have to it, but he has largely struggled, while Joshua Zirkzee has never adapted well, and Cunha always looks much more a winger than a striker.
Calvert-Lewin's Premier League stats this season
Goals: 2
Expected goals: 2.8
Shots per game: 2.3
Shots on target per game: 1
Progressive passes: 1.02 per game
Forward passes: 3.68 per game
Stats by XGStats
It's an area Carrick may well feel the club must address in January or in the summer, and according to Football Insider, Leeds frontman Calvert-Lewin is of interest. The former Everton striker has scored four goals in seven games to kick off the new season, playing a key role in Leeds' very solid start to the season.
Leeds managed to sign Calvert-Lewin for free ahead of last season, so they would be dealing with pure profit if they were to sell, but according to the report, Leeds have no intention to sell their star striker in either of the next two transfer windows. Naturally, they see Calvert-Lewin as a key part of their plans, and they are so far trending in the right direction.
Calvert-Lewin a 'complete striker'
Dominic Calvert-Lewin
Speaking about Calvert-Lewin this month, Leeds boss Farke told PA: "Dominic is like a good wine, getting better by the year. Physically, he’s on a top level and his pace is more than good enough I would say. He’s a very complete striker.”
He added: At Leeds, while I’ve been here, we’ve made many top signings on a low budget. When I think about Joe Rodon, Ethan Ampadu, Ao Tanaka...It’s difficult to compare because as a striker you have a different role. But he’s definitely one of our better pieces of business. If you come as a free agent it doesn’t mean it costs no money because there’s a salary. But we believed in him when perhaps not many were doing this. He also believes in himself and he believes in Leeds United, so I would say he was a perfect fit.”
Leeds United head coach Daniel Farke showing appreciation towards supporters
Leeds United head coach Daniel Farke showing appreciation towards supporters