Although wide-spread reports suggest the United board are ready to sanction a move for Harry Kane this summer, a turbulent few weeks at Tottenham, including the exit of manager Antonio Conte and the imminent punishment from FIFA for Director of Football Fabio Paratici, may cause Daniel Levy to be more stubborn than usual. Should Erik Ten Hag fail in his pursuit of Kane, we are looking at some of the best Manchester United striker alternatives.
Harry Kane’s current Tottenham contract ends in the summer of the 2023/24 season, so if the club were to sell their prized asset, this coming window would be the optimal time to cash in.
However, there were rumblings of England’s newly-crowned top scorer being open to a contract extension if his conditions are met, which would almost certainly include a significant boost to his wages.
It is no secret United are in the market for a striker this summer, and Harry Kane has long been thought of as their number one target. However, everything points to the 29-year-old staying put in North London at this moment in time, particularly with the recent announcement that his wife is expecting their fourth child.
Manchester United Striker Alternatives to Harry Kane
5. Jonathan David
Canadian striker Jonathan David threw a curveball for all his Premier League admirers this week, admitting that he was a loyal follower of Barcelona growing up and has always dreamt of playing for the La Liga leaders.
Nevertheless, Lille’s frontman is still just 23, and may look to move elsewhere come the end of the season, particularly with the French outfit at risk of not qualifying for the Champions League.
📈 Jonathan David's stats for Lille 2022/23
⚽️ 19 goals
🎯 4 assists
👟 43 Shots on target
✅ 37 Chances created
📈 47.7 % dribble success
⭐️ 7.29 average ratingTop goalscorer in Ligue 1 👏 pic.twitter.com/UrwNYoiAVb
— Stats24 (@_Stats24) March 31, 2023
David’s threat in front of goal has been evident since Lille pipped PSG to the Ligue 1 title two seasons ago, but his performances have reached new dizzying heights this term, recently moving level with Kylian Mbappe as the league’s top scorer with 19 goals.
Valued at around £50m, he would be one of the cheaper options on this list, but holds all the credentials needed to succeed in Erik Ten Hag’s Red Devils renaissance.
4. Gonçalo Ramos
Portugal’s short-lived World Cup hero Gonçalo Ramos looks to be the real deal, clocking in with 34 goal involvements in 36 games for Benfica this season.
These sort of numbers command attention, and a sizeable price tag, thought to be in excess of £100m, may put off potential suitors for the time being. This, coupled with Benfica‘s storming season where they find themselves 10 points clear in Portugal and into the Champions League last eight, may extend his time at his boyhood club just that little bit further.
😎 Gonçalo Ramos
2⃣1⃣ añosUna de las 💍 de la 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐠𝐮𝐞❗#UCL | @SLBenfica pic.twitter.com/h1sKJtIftF
— Liga de Campeones (@LigadeCampeones) March 30, 2023
Nevertheless, the United are not deterred by their valuation according to reports, but will likely have to enter a bidding war with Chelsea and Real Madrid for one of Europe’s most highly sought-after marksmen.
3. Dusan Vlahovic
Not many players in world football are shaped in the mould of Dusan Vlahovic, but Manchester United can pick up their very own Haaland-esque brute up top for relatively cheap.
Premier League fans will recall not that long ago the 23-year-old was the subject of heavy interest from Arsenal, but the Serbian opted to stay in Italy by making the switch from Fiorentina to Juventus.
Dusan Vlahovic scores his second of the evening. 3 goals in 2 games for Serbia. He’s now scored 6 in his last 7 international appearances. 🔥 pic.twitter.com/2ymgIPB7oT
— JuveFC (@juvefcdotcom) March 27, 2023
After a storming start to life in Turin, registering 29 goals in his first season, his performances have flown under the radar this term as the Old Lady struggle with the duality of points deductions, and a general drop off in form.
There is a very real possibility they will miss out on Champions League football, and as such, will miss out on a sizeable payday.
Recouping some of this missing cash injection may be at the top of their priorities this summer, while Vlahovic himself may be in search of loftier ambitions with Juve fading rapidly.
2. Kolo Muani
A target man and a provider in equal measure, Eintracht Frankfurt’s Kolo Muani has been one of the Bundesliga’s most electric talents this season with 16 goals and 14 assists in all competitions.
You may remember his injury-time volley being denied in the World Cup final last year by Emi Martinez, but he has not let his transgression bury him, going on to score or assist in all but three of his nine league games since.
https://twitter.com/calvecic/status/1638591651634454531
His effortless, athletic build makes him a burdensome prospect for the opposition, but perhaps his most redeeming quality is his ability to bait defenders with impeccable close control, which would be preferable for Manchester United with Marcus Rashford, Antony and Jadon Sancho able to run beyond.
As is the case with any young, widely-admired talent in Europe, there is little hope of signing the Frenchman for under £100m.
1. Victor Osimhen
If you’ve made it this far, you most likely would have expected Osimhen’s inclusion at number one.
The hottest property in Serie A this season, and perhaps the answer to many clubs’ striking problems, the Nigerian has elevated his goalscoring frequency to new heights.
25 goals in 29 games in Europe’s most enticing team is enough evidence for a long line of potential suitors to ready a bid this summer, but what makes him the perfect final piece in United’s jigsaw, is his often overlooked work off the ball.
My favourite Victor Osimhen goal from this season. 🇳🇬 pic.twitter.com/OCoBNSGi3P
— Frank Khalid OBE (@FrankKhalidUK) March 28, 2023
His pace and power, combined with central runs usually translate to him getting on the blindside of defenders. This typically leads to goals for himself, or a frenzied panic to pick him up, freeing up space for Napoli’s other danger men.
Aged just 24, coupled with his staggering form this season, has seen his market value rise to over £100m, but his recent comments expressing his desire to play in the Premier League one day have pricked the ears of a whole host of English clubs.
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