Amid all the talk of defensive additions, Manchester United are still looking to strengthen up front for 2024/25.
Gone are the days of 4-4-2 tactics, when Manchester United used to enter the season with four centre-forwards.
But as we have seen over the past couple of seasons, two strikers might not be enough, especially when one was injury-prone Anthony Martial.
Manchester United currently have one striker, Rasmus Hojlund. The club is strongly being linked with a second. Joshua Zirkzee is close to joining from Serie A side Bologna.
The prospect of a further striker joining is not being ruled out. Manchester United could yet enter 2024/25 with the sweet spot of three strikers.
- READ MORE: Manchester United confirmed signings, transfers in, out, loan exits, releases for 2024/25
Manchester United still want Ivan Toney
Manchester United will consider signing another striker to follow the move for Joshua Zirkzee.
According to The Athletic, the name most prominently being considered is Brentford and England striker Ivan Toney.
Manchester United will only consider a move at £40 million, which the club consider fair valuation.
Brentford have been seeking more, but have been unable to attract offers at their asking price. Toney is keen to leave for a new challenge, which Manchester United could provide.
Hojlund, Zirkzee, Toney would give United serious options
Manchester United did not score enough goals last season. The team’s defensive problems could have been dealt with if United were threatening at the other end.
Too many games saw United play bluntly in front of goal and fail to provide a threat. United actually finished the season with a -1 goal difference.
Hojlund, Zirkzee and Toney would provide a bit of everything.
In Hojlund you have the young, promising centre-forward who has spent a season at Manchester United already and is viewed as a potentially huge player in the years ahead.
Zirkzee is a similarly aged young prospect, one of a very different profile, just as much of a creator as he is a goalscorer. He can play with Hojlund as well as in place of him.
Toney is the missing piece. The England international brings a physical threat, and crucial Premier League experience. He will be hungry to seize his chance.
He is a proven goalscorer in English football and can offset concerns over whether Hojlund and Zirkzee have enough goals in them. At 28, he is at an age where he could even shoulder the load for stretches and protect the two younger players long-term.
Crucially, the trio provide enough cover for injuries, squad rotation, and also give Erik ten Hag a great amount of tactical variance to unleash on opponents.
Let’s get the first one signed first. But if United can end the summer with both Zirkzee and Toney signed, this squad will have taken a huge leap forward.
Together the trio could turn Manchester United’s mediocre attack of last season into the most exciting in the Premier League.
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