Cody Gakpo could be a ‘modern striker’ Ralf Rangnick urged Manchester United to sign

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Manchester United are set to ramp up pursuit of PSV Eindhoven attacker Cody Gakpo, The Telegraph report.

Gakpo, 23, scored 21 goals in all competitions for the Dutch club last season and is claimed to be available at £35 million.

For a team short of goalscorers, Gakpo could be an ideal solution for United’s problems.

He is also the exact type of player Ralf Rangnick recommended Manchester United sign, advice which has to date been ignored by the club.

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Gakpo could be a ‘modern striker’

Speaking to Manchester United’s club website in early May, Rangnick recommended Manchester United move for two forwards who could play multiple roles across the front three.

He said: “It’s obvious that the club needs, I would say, at least, two new strikers who just give this team more quality and more options. I wouldn’t even call it wingers.

“Two strikers and modern strikers, that do not necessarily have to be wingers.

“If you look into international football, there are not that many top teams who still play with two strikers. Most of the international top teams play with either three strikers or with a false nine.”

It is painful that Manchester United have ignored Rangnick’s guidance, a man with a proven record of building teams and recruiting stars. This was the attraction of bringing him in.

Cody Gakpo fits the description of player profiled by Rangnick. He can play across the front three, as a striker, a false nine, or out wide on either flank.

He will increase competition with his eye for goal. Manchester United’s wide players simply don’t score enough goals.

Marcus Rashford hasn’t scored since January, Jadon Sancho netted only four times last season, and Anthony Elanga hasn’t been on the scoresheet since February.

Most of the time Gakpo will be playing in one of the wide positions, but his ability to play up front gives United an extra option if Cristiano Ronaldo or Anthony Martial cannot start, like this past weekend. This is depth United need, with a hectic schedule upcoming this season.