Manchester United have a big decision to make this summer over whether to sign a striker, and who?
While this seemed unlikely initially after Odion Ighalo’s loan extension, manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer this week indicated he does plan to add more competition if he can.
He told The Times: “You need competition for places at Manchester United. I’ve been here myself for so many years as a striker and Teddy Sheringham comes in, Dwight Yorke comes in, Ruud van Nistelrooy comes in, Wayne Rooney comes in.
“We’ve always got to look at improving, and if they don’t improve, we might have to look somewhere else to get better because we have to be better.”
Most United supporters would agree a striker is needed, as the depth addition of Odion Ighalo helped the team get through a potentially tough period where Marcus Rashford was out injured. Ighalo’s loan deal runs out next January.
The real dilemma comes relative to money which may or may not be available, especially if United spend a club record fee on winger Jadon Sancho. How much would really be left for a new frontman?
This all feeds into the reasoning why Celtic forward Odsonne Edouard could turn out to be United’s best striker option in the market this summer.
Here is a closer look at three reasons why he should be top of the list….
Age and ability
Edouard could be a special talent. He is an all round centre-forward who is quick, strong, and scores all types of goals.
He netted 27 this past season for Celtic in all competitions, of which just one was a penalty.
His goals have come with both feet, through headers, and he has even scored two free-kicks.
Edouard’s record stands at 41 goals in 74 games for his club, plus a further 20 assists.
At just 22 he has great potential, which is highlighted by his French youth record.
He has scored 11 goals in six under-23 games for France, and has a further 24 goals from under-17s to under-19s.
Having had months to rest up with Celtic’s season ending in March, Edouard would also bring a freshness to United’s attack next season.
Price
Edouard presents United with the best meeting point of both suitability and price.
While both Victor Osimhen and Moussa Dembele have strong cases themselves, the Ligue 1 duo could cost anywhere between £50-80 million.
Celtic do not have a strong a hand over Edouard, with The Mail reporting he would cost around £35 million.
This is a better compromise, and should make United feel more comfortable over shelling out for a striker, while fitting him around other targets.
Any striker who comes in would be a squad player, to rotate and compete with Anthony Martial up front.
Edouard has been in this position before, arriving as Moussa Dembele’s deputy at Celtic before eventually excelling as his replacement.
Winning mentality
Edouard’s fantastic season should see him look to hit the ground running.
He has played a part in three title victories for Celtic, plus three domestic cup wins.
While easy to point at the lack of strength in the division, it is still great experience for a young player to rack up at an early age.
United need players who are winners. Edouard has also scored five goals in seven Old Firm derbies, and he has a cup final goal to his name too.
He should be ready for the challenges Manchester United throw at him.
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