With only a few games left in the Premier League, Manchester United are most likely to finish at the second spot. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will be looking to strengthen his team further in the upcoming summer window. A club like Manchester United should be challenging for titles every season. And, if they want to put forth a sustained title challenge next term, reinforcements will be needed up front.
Manchester United are looking to sign Harry Kane or Erling Haaland in the summer. Both of these sensational strikers will come with heavy price tags. Also, we can expect many clubs battling for their signatures in the summer.
Which player should Manchester United go after?
Erling Haaland
The Borussia Dortmund superstar is the most in-demand player in Europe right now. He has found the back of the net 21 times and assisted five goals in the Bundesliga this season. He has the third-most goal involvements in the German League, after Lewandowski and Andre Silva. Solskjaer has previously worked with Erling Haaland at Molde. Thus, they already have a good relationship which is a very important weapon for any club going into a transfer battle.
Standing at 6′ 4″, he has the physique and the technique to lead Manchester United’s line. He is still a 20-year old lad and has great potential to improve further in his career.
Despite these obvious positives, the doubts regarding the viability of the transfer remain the same.
Every major European club wants to have a striker like Haaland. Thus, we can surely expect a bidding war for the player. ESPN reports that the German club is set to demand €180 million for their most prized asset. This is a very heavy price tag, especially at a time when clubs are facing huge negative financial implications due to Covid-19.
Torjubel: Erling Haaland BVB Borussia Dortmund – FC Sevilla 09.03.2021, Fussball, Training 1. Bundesliga, Saison 2020/21 Foto: Moritz Müller *** Goal celebration Erling Haaland BVB Borussia Dortmund FC Sevilla 09 03 2021, football, training 1 Bundesliga, season 2020 21 photo Moritz Müller
Also, will he be able to adapt to Premier League from day 1? Manchester United would not want to splash this huge sum with so much financial risk riding on it and not have immediate returns next season.
Harry Kane
Harry Kane has been a top-class striker in the Premier League for years. At the age of 27, he is set to enter into the prime of his career. And this can be seen from the stunning season he is having. Kane has been involved in 32 Premier League goals, more than Bruno Fernandes (27) and Mohamed Salah (22). He is the league’s joint top-scorer and highest assist maker. Even though he has two goals less than Haaland in their respective leagues, his overall goal contribution is much more due to his new role at Spurs this season.
Even after being a star player for the club and country, Kane’s trophy cabinet is empty. Just like any other player, he will have the desire to win trophies. Moving to a club like Manchester United will give him a greater chance to win a trophy. The Red Devils will also get the services of a player who has proven his quality in the Premier League every season.
Getting a striker who will give you 20+ goals every season would help Solskjaer to mount a serious title challenge next year. Tottenham won’t sell him cheaply but that should be less than what Dortmund is asking for Haaland. Harry Kane just might be a slightly better option at this point due to his overall contribution to the game and experience of football in this country.
Stats Courtesy: Whoscored
