Last season was a rollercoaster ride for the Manchester United supporters as they struggled for goals, thus ruling out a possible title contention. Here are five strikers that Manchester United should target to acquire in the summer transfer window if they wish to vie for the Premier League title in the 2015/16 season.
1. Karim Benzema
Benzema has proven his quality as a striker, and his experience could benefit players behind him such as midfielder Ander Herrera. His physicality would fit the Premier League perfectly, and with his clinical finishing he could have what it takes to take United back to the top. Another positive in the chase for Benzema is that Real Madrid are already saying that they will allow him to leave if a bid in the region of 40 million is offered.
2. Alexandre Lacazette
The Lyon front man has enjoyed a prolific season finding the net 27 times. His pace, agility and ability to finish inside the box makes him an ideal target for a lacking Manchester United attack. Just 24 years old, Lacazette is also a smart buy, although there is competition for his signature from PSG, Bayern Munich and rival club Liverpool.
3. Mario Mandzukic
Mandzukic has reportedly fallen out with Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone, and has hinted at a move away.
This towering striker known for his physicality and aerial threat could be a useful addition to the Manchester United front line, and would fit in well in front of Wayne Rooney. Juventus are currently favourites to land Mandzukic yet Manchester United are still a chance to secure his signature if they are prepared to splash the cash
4. Harry Kane
Harry Kane had a breakout 2014/15 season for Tottenham. Kane was one of the Premier League’s top scorers and is a consistent target man for the Spurs. The price tag of 50 million seems a bit unreasonable especially for a striker who has only been a proven goal scorer for one season, however Kane is young, has many years left in him and would be far from the worst buy for Manchester United.
5. Jackson Martinez
The Colombian forward is a wanted man by many top teams, and Manchester United have already seen him as a potential signing. Martinez is a pacey striker with plenty of ability, and the Porto striker seems keen to move on to a bigger challenge in his career. This could be a perfect time for Manchester United to snap up the in form striker.
144
Roar Guru
Karim Benzema probably not. i'd say he'd leave real madrid but not to united. I actually have a feeling he'll go to PSG. if Cavani or Ibra leave. Alexandre Lacazette should probably leave Lyon and i can see him going to united or Arsenal. I don't think Lacazette suits the united way of play since LVG has taken over. He suits Arsenal with quick play and pace. The EPL is a good league for him to move to. Mandzukic will Stay Harry Kane should stay. I want him to stay for the good of tottenham Jackson Martinez looks more and more like he is heading to AC Milan
woodo
Guest
He definitely needs to settle on a system, which I think he will. There's always a bit of experimentation when a manager inherits a squad that he hasn't made his own yet, I expect it will be different this season. Personally I don't think there's a need to play two up front, LVG has had allot of success with lone striker formations in the past - Bayern worked almost exclusively with a 4-2-3-1 with him at the helm and they were frighteningly good at it. Yeah I think Rooney is capable of making that lone striker role (if that's what LVG settles on) his own, so if that happens is there really a need for a new forward to be brought in? If they keep Hernandez there's support off the bench, and as I mentioned before Depay can be deployed as a forward as well. If the deal for Firmino goes through there's another option as well. I feel like United's priorities are in the right full-back position as well as the centre of midfield (depending on what happens with Di Maria and De Gea) I mean if RVP leaves another striker would be good but it's not like they're in dire straits. Whoever does come in, in whatever position though, they need to be able and ready because United really need to make a tilt at the next title - I'm not a Red Devil myself but the City/Chelsea show is going to get old quick.
Bfc
Guest
That is the question that needs an answer before the player 'plunge'...what formation will LvG prefer? Rooney seemed to have the #9 spot sewn up at the tail of the season but it is clear no contender can succeed without a slew of top strikers. RvP and Falcao are perhaps no longer part of LvGs plans, and Benzema is both a proven provider and scorer. Am waiting to see if LvG keeps changing his set up or finally establishes a 'system' which the team adheres to...and to see the CBs play a few games together to establish a combination!
Kaks
Roar Guru
'Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink' will always be the greatest name of any footballer, ever.
nordster
Guest
:) ... or Tommy Shyte widda Y....celtic fan no less ....
aladdin sane
Guest
Benzema would be excellent, though I can't see him leaving Madrid. The problem at United is Rooney, who cannot be dropped, meaning anyone who comes in will play second fiddle (LVG prefers to play with 1 striker). I personally don't rate him in the CAM position and think he's better leading the line. I'd be playing Mata in the hole (where he's better) and sign a world class right winger instead. Don't forget we've still got RVP and Chicharito for now. Wilson looks like he will develop into a reasonable player too (apparently is the best finisher at the club). I'd prioritise a holding mid, RB and CB over another striker, beyond the RAM
HardcorePrawn
Roar Guru
Oh, and let's not forget Rafael Scheidt, who was briefly a Celtic player. It was said of him that he was "Scheidt by name..."
HardcorePrawn
Roar Guru
Christ Bongo, who played for the Republic of Congo (of course) is one of my favourites, as is Franco Foda, a name that is incredibly rude in Portuguese. Foda was a German player who won only two caps, but (again, of course) made his international debut, to much hilarity, in an away fixture against Brazil.
SM
Guest
Ah yes, Wolfgang Wolf. That one always raised a smile.
woodo
Guest
Now there's a big call. I would offer up to you: Danny Invincible. Johnny Moustache. And my personal favorite - Wolfgang Wolf. Former coach of Wolfsburg. You can't even make that up.
SM
Guest
Jackson Martinez has agreed terms with Milan. By the way, is there a better name in world football?
HardcorePrawn
Roar Guru
A bit harsh on Marcus Stewart there. He was a fine striker for my club, Sunderland.
woodo
Guest
All depends - is LVG committed to continuing with two up front for the next season? If not, and Van Persie isn't moved on (although that looks a little more likely to happen) then there are other areas of the pitch that take a higher priority for investment. What about Roberto Firmino? While he's traditionally a midfielder he has had some very succesful spells up front in the past season and a deal looks like it could well happen. Also LVG has been known to use Depay as a forward.
nordster
Guest
Mandzucic could be great although im sure we all thought the same about Falcao. But have to rate Atletico ahead of Monaco etc as far as him being 'vetted' for EPL level. Martinez is signed on with Milan, which given their middling phase they can offer him decent game time at what is still a quality club. Kane ...id agree he is overrated being the next english next big thing ....better to stay where he is and has been successful. Then move in a season or two. If he can replicate again this year, then he'll have the world at his feet rather than on his shoulders at somewhere like Man united this year.
fadida
Guest
Kane "far from the worse buy"? 50 million for a player who could be the next Marcus Stewart? (Google him) One decent season is all Kane had.How England must long for the days when players with 100 career goals couldn't break into the NT! Kane stands out for the simple reason English stocks have never been lower. 50 million, LVG would have to be mad. You could buy Cavani or Benzema for less, and perhaps 60 million for both