Manchester United made two signings in the January transfer window but none of them were centre-forwards.
The Manchester United first-team squad is lacking a goalscorer, but the club were unwilling to sign any stop-gap options midway through the season.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe is overhauling United’s recruitment policies, with Ineos showing an emphasis on signing young players for the future.
United made two new additions in January, including Patrick Dorgu from Lecce and Ayden Heaven from Arsenal. On top of that, 10 players left United on loan, such as Antony and Marcus Rashford.
United are having to deal with PSR issues, however, Ruben Amorim will still hope to bring in several additions to strengthen his squad in the summer.
While Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee fail to provide goals regularly, questions will be asked as to whether United could have been more shrewd in the January transfer window.
Carlos Alcaraz could have strengthened Manchester United’s attack
United’s upcoming opponents Everton are another Premier League club mindful of their PSR situation.
The Toffees made just one signing during the January transfer window, with Argentine forward Carlos Alcaraz joining in a loan-to-buy agreement from Flamengo on deadline day.
Alcaraz has impressed early on at Goodison Park, scoring a goal and registering an assist in their recent 2-1 win over Crystal Palace.
| Games | Goals | Assists |
| 4 | 1 | 1 |
Alcaraz is predominately a number 10 who would likely fit into Amorim’s system, especially with Amad Diallo absent through injury for the foreseeable future.
Manchester United attacking options
With Amad likely to be ruled out for the remainder of the season, United’s goalscoring options are scarce.
Hojlund and Zirkzee have 12 goals between them across all competitions, with the former outscoring the Netherlands international by two goals.
Meanwhile, Bruno Fernandes is not getting the same license to roam in attack because he’s having to drop deeper in midfield to make up for injuries.
It’s far from ideal for Amorim but he’s somehow expected to find a fix.
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