Five Strikers Manchester United Should Sign This January

Erik ten Hag and Manchester United have made it clear they’re in the market for a new striker in recent weeks and since the controversial departure of Cristiano Ronaldo back in November, it has opened up the gap for a new permanent centre forward. 

Ten Hag has tried Anthony Martial as No. 9 this season when the Frenchman has been fully fit, however hasn’t really featured too much due to injuries, and being inconsistent when he does get on the field. Martial has three goals in eight Premier League games so far this campaign.

Five players we’re taking a look at are players that United have either been linked with or we feel would be a perfect fit at Old Trafford, or a mix of both.

Wout Weghorst

Wout Weghorst is a surprising name that the Red Devils have been heavily linked to over the past week, and it appears that the move could be edging closer with Ten Hag said to be a huge admirer of his fellow Dutchman.

The 6’6 giant showed the world exactly what he’s capable of with a sneaky late equaliser against Argentina in last years World Cup in Qatar, in which was his second of the game after coming off the bench.

WELL THEN 😳

Wout Weghorst's second goal sends it to extra-time! 😱#BBCFootball #BBCWorldCup https://t.co/2pVsJhuKQf

— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) December 9, 2022

Weghorst has nine goals in 18 appearances in all competitions this season in Turkey with Besiktas, and is currently on loan from Championship side Burnley.

The Netherlands international is reportedly interested in the move, and should Burnley recall him, or Besiktas terminate the loan deal this week, then United could look to secure a loan deal for the forward by the Manchester Derby on Saturday.

Weghost would give Ten Hag’s side something that they’re lacking, with the physicality he possesses, and a strong goalscoring record at both club and international level.

Eric Choupo-Moting

Eric Choupo-Moting, from Stoke City, to competing in the Champions League and more in Germany with Bayern Munich. He’s got some story, and there’s a possibility of another huge chapter in the near future.

According to reports in Germany, Choupo-Moting and Bayern are in contract negotiations to further the forward’s stay at the club, however Manchester United have shown serious interest in the Cameroon international in their bid for a goalscorer to join the club.

In 74 appearances for Bayern, Choupo-Moting has 29 goals and nine assists, and this season in particular, he’s been in blistering form. In 16 appearances, he’s found the back of the net 11 times, despite only starting nine times – which is some going when competing in a squad with the calibre that Germans have.

Memphis Depay

Another Dutchman who has been linked with a move to United is Memphis Depay, who is said to want a move back to the Red Devils after six years playing away from England.

Depay has found his playing time under Xavi at Barcelona limited after the signing of Robert Lewandowski in the summer, and has become frustrated with his lack of action.

Whilst his previous spell at Old Trafford wasn’t one to remember, only netting twice in 33 games between 2015 and 2017, a return to United might be something that can kickstart the Netherland internationals career once again.

#EURO2020 x #GoalOfTheDay 🇳🇱

Lovely skill and a precise finish from @Memphis 🎯#MUFC pic.twitter.com/n1SkPZ7s3H

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) June 21, 2021

Depay has just six months remaining on his deal at Barcelona, so would limited to a loan deal for the remainder of the season, which for Ten Hag and United, could work out perfectly. It’s understood that the Spanish club have asked for £13m, plus the salary of the forward covered, taking the total cost to around £16m until the end of the season

Jonathan David

Lille striker Jonathan David has been another name echoed around Old Trafford in recent weeks, and he’s been highly rated across Europe ever since joining the French club back in 2020, where he’s scored 38 goals in 92 appearances.

The Canada international has 10 goals and four assists in 17 matches this season in France, with only Kylian Mbappe and Neymar scoring more so far this campaign.

United have been handed a boost in their interest in David, Lille manager Paulo Fonseca said he thinks “It will be difficult to keep Jonathan David at the club next season.

“There are not many strikers with his skills and numbers in Europe. He’s just 22. I think top European clubs will try to sign Jonathan David.”

If United don’t opt for David in this current winter window, he’s certainly a name that will be high on the list in the summer where he’ll have under two years left on his contract.

Marcus Thuram

A player who has been on United’s radar, amongst other Premier League clubs including Chelsea for the past few weeks is Marcus Thuram.

The 25-year-old is set to become a free agent in the summer, when his current deal with German club Borussia Monchengladbach runs out, after the Frenchman turned down a new deal this week.

Even if United wanted to sign him in this window, it would be for a cut price of around £13m, which isn’t too bad for the Bundesliga’s second top scorer this season, with ten goals under his belt.

There’s plenty of competition for the French forward, with teams such as Inter Milan, Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain reportedly interested in securing his signature alongside the Red Devils and Chelsea.