15 goals in 15 games striker linked to Manchester United told to leave by his international boss

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Manchester United need to sign a striker to take the pressure off Rasmus Hojlund, and will not have a massive budget to do so.

Relying on 20-year-old striker Rasmus Hojlund to lead the line was always a gamble from Manchester United this season, considering there is no viable alternative. We have seen the best from the Dane in the Champions League where he is top scorer, but oddly, he is goalless in the Premier League.

Even before his latest injury, it was recognised he needed support. The Mail report Manchester United are considering strengthening the first team squad by buying a striker in January, although laughably named budget-busting Victor Osimhen as a possible signing.

United need to look at a more affordable target, and one who could fit the bill is Feyenoord’s in-form striker Santiago Gimenez.

Santiago Gimenez urged to leave Feyenoord

Santiago Gimenez has been linked to Manchester United over the past year. That’s understandable given Erik ten Hag’s tendency to sign players from, or who have played in the Eredivisie.

The Mirror reported Manchester United sent scouts to watch Feyenoord last season with Gimenez on the club’s radar.

Gimenez netted 28 club goals in 2022/23 and this season he has a very impressive 15 goals in 15 games, plus a further three assists to date.

Now, his international manager for Mexico has urged the 22-year-old striker to look for a new challenge.

Mexico boss Jaime Lozano was quoted by Dutch outlet FC Update: “Ultimately, I think Santi can become the striker of the future in this selection. I also think he is ready for the step to a better competition. It would be good for him to take a step up. The Eredivisie is a good level, but I think he has proven that he can reach a higher level in Europe.”

It comes weeks after he was urged by a Dutch pundit to consider Manchester United as an option.

Willem van Hanegem was quoted by Feyenoord Nieuws: “He has the qualities to play at the absolute top, in England or Spain. It would be great if he plays for Real Madrid or Manchester United.

“He will only remain at Feyenoord for the time being. Everyone likes him very much; he doesn’t get nervous when he misses an opportunity.”

Gimenez an affordable gamble for Manchester United

Signing player from the Eredivisie can be hit and miss, as Manchester United have learned. But the club have dealt with Feyenoord recently, landing Tyrell Malacia for a fuss-free £13 million.

Prolific forward Santiago Gimenez would not be as cheap, perhaps double the price, still an affordable figure to take a punt on.

Where United could be in trouble is if Feyenoord look at United through the lens of the Antony fee paid to Ajax, and start demanding silly money. Mid-season deals are always tricky.

But if a reasonable fee could be found, and Gimenez expresses his own desire to move on, the 22-year-old could be a shrewd addition to add to a threadbare forward line at Old Trafford.