Erik ten Hag has already shown how he can mould a physically imposing striker into a clinical marksman during his time with Ajax and FC Utrecht.
The 52-year-old turned Sebastian Haller, who was diagnosed with a testicular tumour in the summer, into one of the most formidable strikers on the continent during their two-and-a-half years together in Amsterdam.
In July 2019, West Ham United splashed out a club-record £45 million to sign Haller from Bundesliga side Eintracht Frankfurt.
But in his 18 months with the Hammers, the Ivory Coast international had scored 14 goals from 54 appearances before heading to the Johan Cruyff Arena for less than half of what West Ham splashed out on him.
Ten Hag had already worked with Haller at Utrecht, and the Ivorian scored 40 goals and provided 15 assists from 81 games for the Eredivisie side.
Prior to Ten Hag taking the reins at Old Trafford and Haller moving to Borussia Dortmund in the summer, the 28-year-old scored 47 goals and laid on 16 assists from 66 Ajax games, as well as firing the Dutch giants to back-to-back league titles.
Haller’s 11 goals in the Champions League last season were only bettered by Robert Lewandowski (13) and Karim Benzema (15).
Ten Hag should target Aleksandar Mitrovic
Signing a new striker is likely to be very high up on Ten Hag’s priority list in the summer transfer window.
With Cristiano Ronaldo’s second chapter with the Red Devils coming to an end and Anthony Martial struggling to prove his fitness, United’s striking options are somewhat depleted and limited.
Edinson Cavani wasn’t replaced after the Uruguayan left the Red Devils on a free transfer in the summer and having splashed a record amount during a summer transfer window to bolster other areas, Ten Hag’s focus will likely be fixed on identifying the right striker that fits his philosophy and that will bring a wealth of goals to his side.
One man who has started the season in electrifying form is Fulham’s Aleksandar Mitrovic.
Prior to the 2022-23 campaign, Serbia’s all-time top scorer had scored a mediocre looking 24 goals from 104 Premier League matches.
But so far this season for the Cottagers, the 28-year-old has scored nine goals from 11 top-flight matches. Only Harry Kane (10) and Erling Haaland (17) have scored more than the former Newcastle United striker.
With his contract at Craven Cottage running until 2026, and a World Cup looming, Mitrovic’s value has skyrocketed since the season started.
But Fulham’s number nine possesses all the attributes that Ten Hag craves from his striker.
Mitrovic is physically imposing and a nightmare to defend against. He can bring his teammates into the game with his ability to play as a target man and vocal point.
He’s also deceivingly quick which would mean he could get on the end of crosses and cutbacks from our speedy wingers.
But probably the most important feature when Ten Hag is pondering whether a player has a role in his team is Mitrovic’s work rate off the ball.
The Serbian hassles and hounds the opposition side’s defenders when in possession and he carries a massive threat from set pieces due to his aerial presence.
Mitrovic is one of the most in-form strikers in Europe right now, and he’s arguably one of the most complete all-round complete number nines that Manchester United could realistically target.
Ten Hag will get the opportunity to scout Mitrovic up close and personal when United travel to Craven Cottage to face Marco Silva’s Fulham on 13 November.
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