A testing phase awaits Manchester United as they brace for an unsettling summer overhaul, and that includes new striker options. Amidst the need to appoint a permanent manager, United’s corporate hierarchy are likely to be ‘burdened’ with the prospect of sanctioning sales whilst reluctantly investing in sustainable recruitment. They will be hoping the investments will bring better achievements on the pitch over the coming seasons.

However, despite the cautious optimism surrounding the appointment of a suitable permanent manager, the club are expected to rectify past mistakes and bring in a new wave of players; embodying the desire to play for the club whilst emerging as long-term assets for their vision moving forward.

While Cristiano Ronaldo’s re-signing marked a poetic return to Manchester, the Portuguese has remained largely unimpressive and is unlikely to fulfil expectations anytime soon. Additionally, fellow striker partner Edinson Cavani has been an unreliable asset. So it is time for Manchester United to look elsewhere in hopes of recruiting a long-term striker.

Meanwhile, several United players are out of contract. Many others are likely to demand a permanent move away from Old Trafford. The boardroom and recruitment team are likely to have their work cut out over the next couple of months.

Recent reports suggest Manchester United remain in the hunt for a new striker. The likes of Robert Lewandowski, Jonathan David, and Darwin Nunez, amongst others, have emerged as attractive prospects in the summer. However, it remains to be seen if the club pursues and succeeds in recruiting their first-choice targets ahead of the upcoming season.

Darwin Nunez (Current Club: Benfica)

He has piqued the interest of numerous clubs throughout the current campaign. Darwin Nunez is most likely set for a big move in the summer. He has registered 23 goals in 28 games for Benfica this season. The Uruguayan is likely to trigger a bidding war in the summer market with clubs such as Manchester United, Atletico Madrid, and West Ham United expected to line up for his services.

Nunez with his shot-conversion rate of 45.5% across the month of February tops the list when compared to any of the Premier League’s forwards for the season. Additionally, the 22-year-old also boasts a goal-conversion rate of 31% in the Primeira Division.

His athleticism combined with his sprint speed, acceleration, and incisive intelligence in movement contributes towards his ability to navigate and position himself in goal-scoring areas, inside the 18-yard-box, and across the attacking third. However, for all his similarities to Erling Haaland, the lanky striker falls shorts in contributing to build-up play and sequences; preferring to position himself in shooting positions as opposed to maximising the full potential of his physical attributes.

Benfica have already rejected a bid worth £60mn by West Ham in January. The summer window is likely to crop up more interest for the Uruguayan. Manchester United are yet to sign a promising young striker in nearly a decade and Nunez emerges as a talent capable of leading the line for them in the foreseeable future. However, given the possibility of challengers for his signing, it remains to be seen if the youngster ends up at Old Trafford this summer.

Victor Osimhen (Current Club: Napoli)

Victor Osimhen is amongst Serie A’s most prolific strikers in recent seasons. The Nigerian has reportedly attracted the eye of Manchester United as they enter the market in hopes of recruiting an established striker in the summer. A well-rounded forward with the ability to link up with his teammates, Osimhen has scored 11 goals in 22 games for the Italian club across all competitions this season and remains a crucial part of their future.

However, any approach from the Red Devils is likely to be impeded according to The Daily Star’s report, suggesting that Napoli value the Nigerian at £84m. The 23-year-old striker broke the world-record fee (£70mn) for a player of African descent when he signed from Lille in 2020. He is unlikely to arrive at Old Trafford in the summer unless United cough up Napoli’s asking price for their young asset.

Additionally, United are, reportedly, already said to have diminished their interest in the signing. United’s priority for the summer is the midfield. Osimhen will remain a coveted prospect across Europe and is expected to intrigue interest in the summer. Rich clubs like Real Madrid and Newcastle United are said to be interested in his services and will be ready to pay up.

Robert Lewandowski (Current Club: Bayern Munich)

One couldn’t be less surprised if a 33-year-old Lewandowski ends up at Old Trafford this summer. He has maintained his impressive goal record well into his 30s. Yet, the Polish striker is unlikely to emerge as a long-term asset for United.

He is certainly capable of boisterously leading the line for United over the next couple of years. While reports have suggested that United remain open to landing Lewandowski in the summer, a pursuit for him could tick another box in the club’s list of signing marquee players heading into the twilight of his career.

The Polish international remains amongst European football’s premium strikers. But he can be available depending upon Bayern’s stance this summer. He has only 18 months left on his contract. On top of that, the German giants, reportedly, are interested in bringing Erling Haaland to the club. So it remains to be seen if United pursue Lewandowski ahead of next season, especially when Real Madrid, Manchester City, and Newcastle United are expected to display a keen interest in his services.

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Harry Kane (Current Club: Tottenham Hotspur)

Harry Kane is expected to be United’s primary striker target for the summer. The English striker will be expecting a move away from Tottenham following the closure of the ongoing campaign. Yes, he has shown only glimpses of his potential this season, but the England international remains amongst the league’s most sought out strikers. No doubt many clubs are likely to line up for his services, provided he demands a move away from London ahead of the next campaign.

However, considering United’s requirement of a young striker with world-class potential, Kane’s injury concerns combined with his age and valuation could serve as potential impediments to an Old Trafford move. Nevertheless, he has already shown his quality and leadership over several seasons in the Premier League. Kane will likely attract interest from United provided he becomes available in the summer.