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Manchester United have been the slowest of all top sides in the Premier League within the transfer market this summer, and rightfully so, fans are beginning to get worried.
Much of this comes down to the fact they missed out on two young stars to their closest rivals, as Erling Haaland joined Manchester City, while Darwin Nunez joined the ranks of Liverpool. With United losing Edinson Cavani and Mason Greenwood this year, while Cristiano Ronaldo has one year left on his deal, we look at who they could get now.
Sébastien Haller
Although a man far from the calibre of Nunez and Haaland, there can be no disputing Sébastien Haller’s sensational form at Ajax under the new United boss, Erik ten Hag. The Frenchman has netted 47 times in 66 games for the Dutch giants, and he was one of their main men in securing back-to-back Eredivisie titles since leaving West Ham United in 2021.
Ironically, it looks as if Haaland’s former side, Borussia Dortmund, will land him, but United could still see him as a potential goalscorer.
Victor Osimhen
In terms of age and ability, Victor Osimhen is probably ten Hag’s best choice.
The Nigerian has been a revelation for Napoli this past season with him netting 18 times across 32 games for the club. Standing at 6ft 1 and a physical specimen that would no doubt trouble Premier League defences, Osimhen knows where the back of the net is and is only 23 years old.
Jonathan David
A man no doubt not on the radar of United fans as he finished 10th last season with Lille, but Jonathan David has still managed to score 28 league goals in 75 appearances for the club, and was the main man alongside Burak Yilmaz in the famous Ligue 1 triumph of 2020/21.
At 23, he remains a cheaper option, but no doubt way below the calibre of Haaland and Nunez.
Ivan Toney
While Christopher Nkunku was an option, just as Alexander Isak remains available, the former has just signed a new deal and Isak likely costs too much. Step forward a rising Premier League talent, Ivan Toney.
Similarly to those above, he doesn’t come in with the pedigree of Haaland and Nunez, but with 12 Premier League goals in his debut season in the top flight, he’s no doubt proved his worth as a man capable in the big time.
At 26, he’s a decent option to get United goals for seasons to come, but it may be setting the bar a bit too low for a club trying to compete for titles.
