Manchester United Seriously Interested in Bayern Striker Choupo-Moting

Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting, Manchester United

According to latest reports in Germany, Manchester United are seriously considering making a move for Bayern Munich forward Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting in the winter transfer window. With Cristiano Ronaldo terminating his contract at Old Trafford, the 33-year-old is the latest player to be linked as a replacement.

The Bayern Munich forward has had a scintillating season so far, with 11 goals and 3 assists in 16 games (stats via Transfermarkt). Manager Julian Nagelsmann has used the Cameroon forward in the central role to fill the void created by Robert Lewandowski’s departure to FC Barcelona.

The Red Devils have been dealing with a striker problem from the start of the season. Superstar striker Cristiano Ronaldo has been in the headlines for all the wrong reasons since the beginning. However, all the buzz came to an end this month after the Portuguese forward mutually terminated his contract at Old Trafford.

Meanwhile, the striker problem still remains with no definite personnel to fill the spot. Anthony Martial has been unreliable this season due to injuries. Marcus Rashford has been used as a striker, but seems more comfortable in a wider role.

According to Sky Sports reporter Florian Plettenberg, Manchester United are genuinely interested in a move for Bayern Munich centre-forward Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting. The Red Devils want to prise away the 33-year-old as a Ronaldo replacement in the January transfer window itself and have already submitted an enquiry.

News Choupo-Moting: #MUFC is seriously interested in a transfer in winter, they have inquired about him. He's a candidate to replace #Ronaldo. Manchester bosses expect him to leave in winter. But: Choupo will stay! Talks about a new contract after the World Cup. @SkySportDE 🇨🇲

— Florian Plettenberg (@Plettigoal) November 7, 2022

However, the Bavarian giants are not willing to sell the Cameroon international. Bayern are considering a contract extension for the former PSG striker, who will become a free agent in June, as reported by The Sun. The German side will open talks over a new deal after the World Cup.

Meanwhile, Tottenham Hotspur are also eyeing the Cameroonian as a backup to Harry Kane. Still, it is expected that Choupo-Moting will extend his stay at the Allianz Arena. Journalist Christian Falk confirmed that the Bavarians have no intention to sell their striker in the winter transfer window.

TRUE✅ @FCBayern won‘t agree to a Transfer of Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting to @ManUtd in Winter @BILD_Sport pic.twitter.com/fjRPo1VcZP

— Christian Falk (@cfbayern) November 9, 2022

All factors indicate that Manchester United will not be able to sign Choupo-Moting easily. The former Stoke City striker is enjoying regular minutes in the Bundesliga and Champions League. Bayern also do not wish to part with their player.

In any case, the very pursuit of the forward is short-sighted. Currently 33, the Cameroonian may have only one or two more seasons at the top level. In recent years, United have made several short-term striker signings, including Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Odion Ighalo, Edinson Cavani and Cristiano Ronaldo, with varying success.

However, the Red Devils have still not identified a suitable long-term forward to function ahead of the likes of Jadon Sancho, Marcus Rashford, Bruno Fernandes and Antony. Cody Gakpo, Victor Osimhen and Ivan Toney are regularly linked with a move to Old Trafford, and represent the profiles that United should actually look to sign.

The Manchester club need to solve their striker problem quickly if they wish to challenge for top honours consistently. Another stop-gap signing would only result in the re-emergence of the same problem within the next two transfer windows.

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