5 attackers Manchester United could look to sign in January

The January transfer window is approaching and after parting ways with Cristiano Ronaldo, Manchester United desperately need to sign another attacker. It’s obvious that United need a world-class striker and have been linked to the likes of Napoli’s Victor Osimhen and Juventus’ Dušan Vlahović. However, a signing of that calibre will probably have to wait until the summer meaning the Reds will have to look elsewhere for forward options. While a world-class striker probably won’t be available in January, there are still many attacking options that United could sign.
1. Cody Gakpo
Cody Gakpo is currently enjoying a stellar season and has certainly been one of the best attackers in Europe this season. The Dutchman has played 24 games in all competitions for PSV Eindhoven so far this season racking up 13 goals and 17 assists. Gakpo has also had an unbelievable World Cup having scored three goals in five games so far for The Netherlands.
Embed from Getty ImagesGakpo currently predominantly operates on the left wing but will likely transition into a striker soon, similar to what Anthony Martial has done. To become a world-class striker, he would definitely have to improve a few areas in his game but with the right coaching, which Ten Hag can offer, he could develop into an exciting striker.
As Gakpo himself has confirmed, United were interested in signing him in the summer but the club didn’t complete the deal after spending €100m on Brazilian winger Antony. After failing to acquire the services of the PSV attacker in the summer, Ten Hag reportedly wants to try again. According to ESPN in The Netherlands, Ten Hag wants to get Gakpo to Old Trafford ‘very quickly’. It seems that Gakpo is indeed a player in Ten Hag’s long-term plans so the Red Devils need to back their manager and do everything possible to bring Gakpo to the red side of Manchester.
2. Memphis Depay
Embed from Getty ImagesAccording to various reports, Memphis Depay could return to Old Trafford in January. Florian Plettenberg of Sky Germany claims that Depay is on Manchester United’s list and there is contact between all parties. Plettenberg also claims that Barcelona would even terminate his contract as they’re desperate to save money on his wages.
Memphis Depay on a free transfer is a very interesting option. He operates predominantly on the left wing and as a striker but can also do a job on the right. He’s been injured for a large part of the season but did score 13 times for Barcelona last season and has been a prominent figure in the Netherlands’ team over the last few years.
While some United fans may have their doubts about Memphis after his failed period at Old Trafford a few years ago, he’s gained greater maturity on and off the pitch and would be a great squad player.
3. João Félix
Embed from Getty ImagesAtletico Madrid’s CEO Gil Marín has confirmed that they will consider potential bids to sell João Félix due to his relationship with manager Diego Simeone and his current lack of game time. According to reports, the Madrid club wants €100m for the Portuguese international and Manchester United are one of the clubs interested.
While Felix can play as a striker and on the left wing, he mainly operates as a second striker. Felix has struggled to fulfil his potential playing in Diego Simeone’s side however, there is no doubt that he is an incredibly talented player. As Felix is considered a second striker it’s unlikely Ten Hag would use him there as it would likely mean dropping Bruno Fernandes or moving him into a different role. That means Ten Hag would likely utilise Felix as United’s main striker, and even on the left if ever needed. There’s obviously also the chance Ten Hag would completely change his system to accommodate Felix in his strongest position but that’s unlikely.
The Red Devils are unlikely to meet Atletico’s reported asking price of €100m in January but a deal may be possible if United can agree a loan deal with the option to make the move permanent for a certain fee.
4. Jonathan David
Embed from Getty ImagesAccording to Florian Plettenberg, Manchester United have scouted Lille player Jonathan David and Lille would be prepared to let him go for €50m in the winter. He’s had a few good years in France having scored 41 goals in 111 appearances for Lille and January would be a good time for him to take the next step in his career. David can play as a striker and also as a second striker. He’s a good option who’s available for an affordable fee. He’d likely become 2nd choice if United decide to sign someone like Victor Osimhen in the summer but squad depth is obviously very important.
5. Christian Pulisic
Embed from Getty ImagesAccording to Mark Ogden of ESPN, Manchester United are open to signing Christian Pulisic on loan in January and his versatility across the front line has made him an appealing option. The Red Devils’ interest in Pulisic isn’t anything new. Reports from various sources towards the end of the summer transfer window said that United were interested in signing the United States forward on loan but the deal failed to materialise and United found an agreement to sign Antony from Ajax who was Ten Hag’s number 1 priority in attack.
Pulisic has had a great World Cup so will be high on confidence going into the second half of the season. He’s had a difficult time at Chelsea and a fresh start elsewhere would probably benefit him. He’s still only 24 and has a lot of potential but the issue with a potential transfer to Old Trafford is whether he’s actually needed. He plays mainly on the right wing and can also play on the left-hand side. While it will be hard to sign a world-class striker in January, United need someone who can at least play there and Pulisic can’t. He’d be better than nothing but if Memphis Depay is available on a free transfer or for a very low price which is very likely, he’d be a far better option than Pulisic.
Verdict
Many Manchester United fans want Cody Gakpo and he should be United’s number 1 target but even if he does join Ten Hag’s side, the club still need to invest in a world-class striker in the summer. Memphis Depay on a free transfer would also be an astute piece of business, especially in the short-term. João Félix is an incredible player but there is uncertainty over where he would fit in at United. Jonathan David for €50m wouldn’t be a bad move and while Pulisic has his qualities, he’s not exactly what Ten Hag’s side needs at the moment.
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