Manchester United have reportedly lined up Eintracht Frankfurt’s Randal Kolo Muani as an alternative target to Atalanta striker Rasmus Hojlund.
Rasmus Hojlund, 20, has emerged as Erik ten Hag’s No.1 striker target after the club decided it would be impossible to land Tottenham star Harry Kane this summer, but the Atalanta hotshot could find himself priced out of a move to Old Trafford. The Red Devils are refusing to splash more than £60million for the Dane—£20 short of Atalanta’s valuation. They view the £80m figure as ‘wholly unrealistic’ and are not prepared to overpay for the youngster.
As a result, Erik ten Hag and Manchester United are exploring other options to strengthen their attack for next season. According to The Daily Mirror, Man United could turn to Kolo Randal Muani if a move for Rasmus Hojlund doesn’t materialise.
Kolo Muani, 24, had an impressive 2022/23 campaign with Eintracht Frankfurt, scoring 23 goals and registering 17 assists in 46 games across all competitions. He was also a part of the France squad that reached the 2022 World Cup final in Qatar before eventually losing to Argentina in penalty shootout.
Kolo Muani to Man United—An ideal acquisition for Ten Hag?
Manchester United have already spent £107m on Mason Mount and Andre Onana so far this summer transfer window, as Erik ten Hag continues to reshape his squad. As they are hamstrung by new Financial Fair Play rules, Ten Hag and co. are wary they cannot deviate from the budget and must spend wisely with signing a striker now the top priority.
The Red Devils’ need for a centre-forward has been well documented after their goalscoring charts made for a poor reading during Ten Hag’s first campaign at the helm, with Marcus Rashford—primarily a winger—reaching double digits in the Premier League. Anthony Martial, the only natural No.9 in the first-team squad, struggled with injury issues once again—starting just 11 league fixtures as a result.
As Martial cannot be trusted to remain fit and Rashford’s best position is on the left flank, Ten Hag needs an out-and-out No.9 to lead United’s attack next season. Rasmus Hojlund is the Dutch tactician’s primary target, but if Atalanta don’t compromise on their asking price, United could switch their attention to Kolo Muani.
Kolo Muani would be a fantastic addition to United’s frontline, offering a unique skill set. He is a versatile player who can operate as a No.9 or out wide on the left and right flank, making him extremely valuable. The France international is rated highly for his quick feet, game intelligence, dribbling ability, speed and ability to beat players as well as score. Plus, due to his height, the former Nantes man could prove to be an asset at both ends of the pitch for Ten Hag’s side.
At 24, Kolo Muani has all the required attributes to develop into a complete forward and become United’s leader in the attack for years. If Atalanta don’t budge from their valuation of Hojlund, United must make a move for Kolo Muani as the Frenchman could make an immediate impact for Ten Hag’s side in the final third next term.