Manchester United did not sign an attacker in the January transfer window – but were certainly linked to more than a couple.
Mathys Tel was rumoured but ended up going to Tottenham Hotspur. Then you had Leon Bailey, who Aston Villa decided against selling.
It was a rather quiet window for the Red Devils and Ruben Amorim – who wasn’t exactly backed financially by Sir Jim Ratcliffe, despite probably needing it.
He’ll need existing forwards Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee to step up, which hasn’t been the case yet this season.
Amid the sea of forwards United were linked to, many often moved elsewhere. That includes a French striker who has been electric thus far for his new side.
- READ: Confirmed Manchester United transfer deals for January 2025, ins, outs, loan moves, deadline date
Randal Kolo-Muani starts well for Juventus
Randal Kolo-Muani was linked to Manchester United in the summer, with the French forward unhappy at PSG. Eventually, Kolo-Muani signed for Juventus on loan, ending the United links once and for all.
So far, he’s featured twice for the Turin-based side – and has made an instant impact.
On his debut, he scored the opener against Napoli, and was arguably the best player for the Old Lady, despite Thiago Motta’s side losing 2-1.
His last game was even better. Kolo-Muani scored twice in four minutes and grabbed man of the match against Empoli. Talk about instant impact. His stats during the game were excellent.
Kolo-Muani vs Empoli
- Minutes played: 90 mins
- Goals: 2
- Shot accuracy: 2/3 (67%)
- Big chances missed: 1
- Touches: 37
- Touches in opposition box: 11
- Successful dribbles: 2/4 (50%)
- MOTM Awarded
Sourced via FOTMOB.
Kolo-Muani equals Carlos Tevez record, Thiago Motta comments
Kolo-Muani scoring in his opening two Juventus appearances means he joined former Bianconeri striker Carlos Tevez in an exclusive club.
He is the second player to score in his first two games for Juventus since former Manchester United striker Tevez did so in August 2023.
Juve boss Motta said he wants more from the Frenchman amid his positive start in Italy after the Empoli clash. He said: “I expect even more out of him.”
“There was a bit of nervousness, so I want to praise my boys,” Motta continued.
“Today we were good at winning the match and playing better than our opponents. Heartfelt compliments to my boys who played a game of character and courage.
“I saw many players take responsibility on the field today and we took home what we deserved.”
Kolo Muani added: “We are happy, we wanted to win this match.
“[We earned] three important points, and the goal is to continue winning. It’s incredible to be here, we have to continue on this path.”
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