Manchester United have invested heavily in their attack over the last two summer transfer windows, spending approximately £110 million to acquire Rasmus Højlund and Joshua Zirkzee. However, both signings have struggled to justify their price tags. While Højlund has shown flashes of potential, his performances in the Premier League have been inconsistent. Zirkzee, on the other hand, has struggled to adapt to the physicality and pace of English football.
This lack of cutting-edge firepower has been a significant factor in United’s goal-scoring woes this season. According to **TEAMtalk**, manager Rúben Amorim is determined to bolster the squad in January and has identified Paris Saint-Germain forward Randal Kolo Muani as a prime target.
### Randal Kolo Muani: January Target
The French international is reportedly surplus to requirements at PSG, with the club open to offloading him during the winter transfer window. However, United face stiff competition for his signature, with Arsenal, Chelsea, and Tottenham Hotspur also interested in the 26-year-old.
Currently earning £203,000 per week, Kolo Muani has struggled for consistent game time this season, making just two starts in all competitions and being excluded from PSG’s last two matchday squads. Despite these challenges, he has proven his quality in the past, registering six goals and five assists in 13 Ligue 1 starts last season. His versatility as a center-forward or winger, coupled with his pace and creativity, makes him a compelling option.
### Potential Challenges with Kolo Muani
While Kolo Muani’s skillset aligns with United’s needs, several factors could complicate the transfer:
– **Form and Fitness**: His lack of regular minutes at PSG raises questions about his readiness to adapt to the intensity of the Premier League.
– **Transfer Competition**: Interest from other top clubs could drive up his transfer fee and wage demands, making the deal financially challenging.
– **Fit for United’s System**: Amorim needs a reliable goal-scorer to address United’s immediate issues, and Kolo Muani may require time to settle into the team.
### United’s Striker Dilemma
1. **Rasmus Højlund**: The £72 million signing has shown moments of brilliance but remains a work in progress, requiring time to develop into a consistent performer.
2. **Joshua Zirkzee**: The £36.5 million addition has only managed three goals in 18 league appearances, underscoring his struggles to adjust to the demands of English football.
### What’s Next for United?
Amorim must carefully assess whether Kolo Muani is the right fit for United’s immediate needs. While his versatility and potential are attractive, the club may benefit from targeting a proven goal-scorer with a consistent track record in the Premier League or another top competition.
Alternatives like Victor Osimhen or other established forwards might better address United’s urgent requirement for a reliable goal threat. Kolo Muani offers promise, but the club must weigh the risks carefully. With pressure mounting to deliver results, United must prioritize a forward capable of making an instant impact while aligning seamlessly with Amorim’s tactical vision.
Leave a Reply