The Potential Man United Striker Options This Summer

Off the back of another fine season on the south coast, Southampton’s Danny Ings has been thrown into the rumour mill in recent weeks, most notably, to Manchester City, where he is 3/1 to move to.

The English striker has suffered from injuries at times this season but has still managed to score 10 goals in all competitions in a Southampton side that has been on a torrid run, winning just twice in 13 league games. However, with Ings demonstrating a clear ability to finish chances, a move to Old Trafford may suit him, as United have cried out for a striker who can be in the right place at the right time this season.

With just a year left on his contract, those at Old Trafford might be confident in getting a reasonable price for the 28-year-old, who could leave for free in 2022. Ings might not be the better player than Edinson Cavani or previous employees like Romelu Lukaku, but he will be significantly cheaper.

This has been a breakthrough season for Youssef En-Nesyri who has shone in Sevilla’s attack in the 2020/21 campaign. The Moroccan signed for the six-time Europa League winners in January 2020 for a reported €25m and has really kicked on this season, scoring 21 goals in all competitions, including 15 in La Liga.

At 23 years old, En-Nesyri still has his best years ahead of him, which may increase his price tag, but if his form this season is anything to go by, then he may be a worthy investment. Having bagged two hat tricks already this season, the Sevilla forward clearly knows where the back of the net is and presents an interesting option for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

Despite enduring a difficult spell at AC Milan, Andre Silva has once again proved that he can score goals at the top level whilst at Eintracht Frankfurt. Silva has managed an impressive 22 goals in 25 league games this season and is second only to Robert Lewandowski in the Bundesliga’s goal scoring charts.

At 25 years old, the Portuguese striker brings experience, but also has his best years ahead of him, as United plan for the future. His form, age and potential may mean that the Red Devils would be asked to pay in excess of £40m for his services, meaning there may well be cheaper options available, but for a proven goal scorer in today’s market, it may be worth the investment.

Silva could be a risk, however. Wherever he has gone, it has been a hit or a miss, and given United's stature, this one could be too risky.

Another younger option for Solskjaer to explore is PSV Eindhoven’s striker Donyell Malen, who has continued his development with a more regular starting role this season. With 23 goals in all competitions this season, Malen has enjoyed his best goal scoring season so far and at 22 years old, there is still plenty of room for improvement.

The former Arsenal man is the complete forward, with devastating pace, clinical finishing and the wherewithal to bring other players into play with his strength and hold up play, which has helped him to register six league assists in the Eredivisie this campaign.

The Dutchman would fit right in at Old Trafford, alongside the likes of Marcus Rashford and Mason Greenwood, adding further speed and goalscoring instinct to their attack.

Since the appointment of Carlo Ancelotti as Everton manager, Dominic Calvert-Lewin has been like a man possessed, scoring 14 goals in 26 league games this season. As a result, the 24-year-old has catapulted himself into the England reckoning as Harry Kane’s understudy, scoring four goals in seven games for his country.

Calvert-Lewin has developed his ability to time his runs, by usually allowing the more creative players in the side to take responsibility for the build-up, but finding space in the box to finish the move off. This may be perfect for United, who have cried out for a goal-poaching centre forward to finish off chances, allowing the likes of Rashford, Bruno Fernandes and Paul Pogba to concern themselves with the creative side.

Everton will be unlikely to allow their number nine to leave for cheap, so this may present a more expensive option for the Old Trafford club.

By Luke Feather