Manchester United’s prospects of signing a striker this month are not shaping up ideally. A lack of cash for a permanent deal is expected to see the club make a loan move, reports BBC Sport.
United have done this in the past, most memorably with a deal for Henrik Larson back in 2007.
Joao Felix is a name linked, however, Atletico Madrid want a sizeable loan fee as part of the deal, The Times reports.
With the situation up front pressing United into needing an ‘emergency’ temporary fix, we have taken a semi-serious look at five former Manchester United forwards who could ‘do a job’ between now and the end of the season.
Memphis Depay
Memphis Depay has been mentioned as a possible option by BBC Sport and is the most likely of any of these five players.
But there’s a big problem with Manchester United set to face Depay’s Barcelona in the Europa League knockouts. Would the Spanish side really loan the forward to their competitors?
Depay, 28, has matured since his spell at United between 2015 and 2017 and he could be a good fit up front if he were to join, with his ability to both lead the line and link the play.
He would also return to Old Trafford with a real point to prove after his first spell at the club ended in such disappointment.
Edinson Cavani
Edinson Cavani‘s spell at United was ruined by Cristiano Ronaldo’s arrival as much as it was by his own injury problems. Now with Ronaldo gone, could United tempt Cavani back for a second go?
It feels wrong that Cavani never scored in front of a packed Old Trafford. There could be one last chance to bring the archer back.
Cavani is under contract to Valencia, and realistically, it’s hard to see them letting him go. But if this was just a temporary move to get him fit for the World Cup, then perhaps the Uruguayan would be keen.
His last few months at United were so bad that it would be appealing to right those wrongs. However, United will want a striker they can rely on, and Cavani’s injury problems are a big reason to simply move on.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic
Unfinished business is a theme of these potential returnees. Zlatan Ibrahimovic‘s stint was cut short due to injury, and he has rejuvenated his career since his ACL tear.
Zlatan is 41, but is still featuring for AC Milan, who he helped to win a first Serie A title in 10 years last season.
Could he be tempted by a return to Old Trafford to lead United to the club’s first silverware since the two trophies he helped win in 2017? It’s possible.
He is expected back from a knee injury in mid-January, and could become a late option if United decide they want a big name.
Chicharito
Chicharito is at Zlatan’s former club LA Galaxy and has rediscovered his golden touch in front of goal with 18 goals in 33 games last season.
He even said last summer he would be open to a United return, quoted by The Mirror: “If United came for me then I’d say ‘yes, I’ll play for free.’ Of course, you know, I’d do that.”
At the very least, United could look to replicate the Larsson deal by bringing back Chicharito until the MLS season resumes at the end of February.
The Mexican striker is still only 34 and will very clearly be tempted if United present him with an offer, he has made this very clear.
Odion Ighalo
If it gets to 10pm on transfer deadline day and Manchester United still do not have a striker signed, then they know who to call.
Odion Ighalo answered United’s SOS back in 2020, which seemed an unthinkable option just days earlier. He went onto score five goals, which could have been more if his run were not interrupted by Covid.
Ighalo plays for Saudi side Al Hilal, where he has scored eight goals in his last 14 matches.
Receive a digest of our best United content each week direct to your mailbox
