Could it be one of these five strikers?
Louis van Gaal is box-office when it comes to press conferences. He always has something of note to say and his latest press conference from America where United are on tour has thrown the rumour mill into a frenzy.
When asked about more incoming transfers, patricularly around the signing of a new striker, Van Gaal said “He’s in the process. It’s not the striker that the media has written about. You have to wait and see. The transfer period is open until August 31. You have to wait.”
So, we decided to look at potential strikers out there who haven’t been linked this summer with a move to Old Trafford.
1. Antoine Griezmann – Atletico Madrid
The French international had a fine season in La Liga with Atletico Madrid. He scored 22 league goals last season finishing behind only Messi and Ronaldo in the top goalscorer list.
He’s fast, intelligent and most importantly knows where the back of the net is. He can also play on the wing or just behind a striker and his versatility is something that could appeal to Van Gaal.
He has been linked with a move to Chelsea, but could be a viable option for the men from Old Trafford.
2. Jérémy Menez – AC Milan
Another French international who had a fine season with his club. He finished with 16 goals in a relatively weak Milan team.
Technically accomplished and another who can play anywhere up top. He is very experienced having played for Monaco, Roma, PSG and now Milan.
Viewed by some as a playmaker, there is no doubting his goal-scoring prowess and another who could appeal because of his versatility.
3. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang – Borussia Dortmund
The Gabon international speed merchant is a striker who would benefit any team. He scored 16 league goals last season in 33 matches for a struggling Dortmund side and is blessed with blistering pace.
Augbameyang also has an eye for a pass and had six assists to his name last season. He has been linked with Arsenal in the past, but is definitely a striker, at 26, who is coming into the prime of his career.
4. Charlie Austin – QPR
Charlie Austin scored 18 Premier League goals last season for a team which was completely outlcassed and subsequently relegated from the top flight.
He has scored goals at all levels. It might be a bit of a push to ask him to step up to the level required at Manchester United, but at 26, you feel he is a striker who will only get better and may thrive with better players around him.
5. Sadio Mané – Southampton
Another player equally adept on the wing or on the left of a front three. Came to prominence last season for scoring the fastest hat-trick in Premier League history against Aston Villa, timed at 176 seconds.
The man from Senegal was signed from Red Bull Salzburg where he scored a hatful of goals. He scored ten times in his debut season with Southampton and has pace to burn. Could develop into a seriously talented striker with the right players around him.
