Manchester United’s need for a striker can be ascertained from the fact that Ruben Amorim was forced to play Kobbie Mainoo up top against Crystal Palace on Sunday.
It was damning to see both Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee, signed for over €100 million, sitting on the bench while the head coach picked a defensive midfielder over them.
While the experiment did not pay dividends, it was a clear message to INEOS to try and bring in reinforcements due to the lack of quality in forward areas.
It must be noted that the new co-owners have allowed three forwards, Marcus Rashford, Antony and Ethan Wheatley to leave on loan, thereby further depleting Amorim’s attacking reserves.
Amorim needs strikers
It looked like United were trying to sign Mathys Tel of Bayern Munich but the Bavarian giants’ last-minute calls for a permanent exit meant the deal failed to materialise.
As relayed by The Peoples Person, Aston Villa’s Leon Bailey and Christopher Nkunku of Chelsea were also being looked at but those moves also have collapsed.
And United seem to be panicking and as revealed by TBR Football, they have contacted Juventus over possibly signing Dusan Vlahovic on deadline day.
The Serb has 13 goals in 28 games this season and with Randal Kolo Muani joining the Turin-based side this January, he has been forced to play a supporting role in recent weeks.
The Bianconeri have also failed to agree a contract extension with the 25-year-old whose current deal ends in 2026. Juve want the striker to agree to take a pay cut while Vlahovic does not intend to do so.
And the Red Devils could take advantage with Arsenal and Aston Villa also reportedly in the race. It is likely to be between United and the Gunners given Villa have already signed Rashford from the Old Trafford side.
Vlahovic talks on
“TBR Football exclusively understands that both Arsenal and Manchester United have asked about Dusan Vlahovic’s situation at Juventus over the weekend.
“Juventus and Vlahovic have recently reached a stalemate in their talks of a new deal for the striker, which has alerted clubs in the Premier league.
“Juventus have already prepared for Vlahovic’s impending exit with the signing of Randal Kolo Muani.”
The report does not make clear the terms of the deal but owing to United’s PSR woes, it could be most likely a loan deal with an option to buy.
The Serbia international has experience of leading the line for clubs like Juventus and Fiorentina and Amorim could do with someone of his ilk. But whether a deadline day deal can be agreed remains to be seen.
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Ayantan Chowdhury
Ayantan has worked for 10 years in the Indian sports media industry, writing for the biggest newspapers and websites but his heart was always set on writing about his favourite club. Currently an editor at The Peoples Person. You can follow him on X: @ayantanc_25
