Manchester United will be in the market for attacking signings this summer but one target endured a Champions League nightmare on Tuesday.
Manchester United continue to struggle for goals in the Premier League.
28 goals in 25 games is alarmingly low for United and Sunday’s blank in the 1-0 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur showcased many of the same problems.
Alejandro Garnacho is wasteful in front of goal, Rasmus Hojlund’s struggles are causing concern in Denmark and Ruben Amorim likes Joshua Zirkzee in a deeper role.
It’s becoming increasingly clear that United need to add attacking talent this summer and it doesn’t just come down to centre forwards.
More quality in the roles behind the striker in Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 system is needed and one target has been shining in Italy.
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Manchester United target suffers Champions League nightmare
Reports back in November suggested that United are interested in Ademola Lookman after seeing him thrive for Atalanta.
The rumours persisted heading towards January as United reportedly made contact to sign Lookman in a deal worth up to £41.5million.
Lookman destroyed Bayer Leverkusen in last season’s Europa League final and the goals have continued to flow.
The 27-year-old has hit 15 goals and seven assists across 26 Serie A and Champions League games this season.
Lookman scored in the Champions League on Tuesday night, pulling a goal back as Atalanta were knocked out by Club Brugge.
However, Lookman also squandered a golden chance to make it 5-3 on aggregate with half an hour to play.
Atalanta won a penalty and Lookman was hoping to find the net and set up a frantic end to the game with Atalanta piling on the pressure.
Unfortunately for Lookman, his penalty was saved by Club Brugge stopper Simon Mignolet and the Italian side are now out of the Champions League.
Lookman no doubt feels awful about his penalty being saved but Atalanta boss Gian Piero Gasperini is showing absolutely no mercy.
As quoted by Fabrizio Romano, Gasperini suggested that Lookman is one of the worst penalty takers he has ever seen and can’t understand why Mateo Retegui or Charles De Ketelaere didn’t step up instead.
“Ademola Lookman is one of the worst penalty takers I’ve ever seen,” said Gasperini.
“He wanted to take the penalty after scoring a goal, he took the ball despite Retegui and De Keteleare available to take it… I didn’t like what Lookman did,” he added.
That must be crushing for Lookman to hear and few could blame him for wanting a fresh start away from Bergamo – especially if United do come calling.
- READ MORE: Manchester United transfer target produces ‘miraculous’ moment, he’s one to watch this summer
Rio Ferdinand reacts to Gasperini slamming Ademola Lookman
United may well feel that this outburst from Gasperini can present an opportunity to tempt Lookman away.
The former Everton and Fulham man has really honed his talent under Gasperini but no player wants to hear that they are so bad at something – especially from their own manager.
United legend Rio Ferdinand certainly wasn’t impressed with the comments, simply responding with ‘liberty’ on social media.
Lookman has previously caught Ferdinand’s eye and the Atalanta ace hails from South London – just like Ferdinand.
Ferdinand has thrown his support behind Lookman and may yet see him donning the famous red shirt come the summer with United seemingly interested.
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