“The strikers we have are not what we need. We need attackers like Wayne Rooney and Christiano Ronaldo. The only player that plays like them are in Italy. I recommended him to the staffs a d they all loved him immediately, which means we are going to sign him”- Man Utd ‘step up’ bid to sign January transfer target after ‘personal recommendation from Ruud van Nistelrooy’

Manchester United have reportedly intensified their pursuit of a top striker target, following a recommendation from assistant manager Ruud van Nistelrooy.

Van Nistelrooy, 48, rejoined the club earlier this summer after being initially linked with replacing Erik ten Hag. Since his return, the former Dutch international has been actively working with forwards Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee. However, following Anthony Martial’s summer departure, concerns have been raised about United’s depth in attack.

Manager Erik ten Hag has even deployed club captain Bruno Fernandes in a false nine role, as he continues to search for the right attacking balance. Despite the club signing five new players in the summer—including Leny Yoro, Matthijs De Ligt, Manuel Ugarte, Noussair Mazraoui, and Zirkzee—the attack remains a key area of focus.

According to *Football Transfers*, United have made early progress in their pursuit of Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic, with van Nistelrooy pushing the club to make a move. Vlahovic, who was on Arsenal’s radar before joining Juventus in January 2022, was also linked to United last year.

Although United opted to sign Hojlund, it’s believed that improving their attacking options remains a priority. Vlahovic has already started the season well, scoring two goals in three games under Juventus’ new manager, Thiago Motta. The 24-year-old Serbian international, who has 30 caps for his country, boasts an impressive European pedigree, having shone previously at Fiorentina.

Despite his past comments about being happy at Juventus, with two years left on his contract, Vlahovic’s situation could change if United press forward with their interest. In December 2023, he told Italian media, “I still have two and a half years left on my contract, we’re in no rush, but Giuntoli and my agent are already talking. I’m very happy to be here.”

Interestingly, former Juventus teammate Federico Chiesa also made the switch to the Premier League recently, joining Liverpool during the summer transfer window.