Manchester United will be looking for a new striker to compete with Cristiano Ronaldo for a starting spot next season after ‘missing out’ on Darwin Nunez.
The Uruguayan striker is set to join the Red Devils’ rivals Liverpool for £64m, a deal that could rise to £85m with add-ons, according to Benfica.
A move for the prolific forward, who scored 34 goals in 41 appearances in all competitions for the Portuguese side last season, will be a blow to new United boss Erik ten Hag’s plans to rebuild their playing squad.
The Red Devils are in need of options up top after they confirmed Edinson Cavani will depart the club when his contract expires at the end of June.
This, added to the fact Ronaldo is now 37, it makes sense for this to be a key area of importance during the summer transfer window.
With that being said, ManchesterWorld takes a look at five Nunez alternatives United could look to sign after failing to sign the Benfica forward.
1. Sebastien Haller
The forward was Ajax’s top scorer under Ten Hag last season in their Eredivisie-winning campaign, netting 34 goals in 43 appearances in all competitions last season. A move for the 27-year-old would make sense given his strong relationship with Ten Hag and a chance to prove he isn’t a flop after a poor spell at West Ham in the Premier League. Photo: Getty Images
2. Lois Openda
Recently made his debut for Belgium after a stellar season on loan at Vitesse from Club Brugge. Openda finished runner-up to Haller in the Eredivisie Golden Boot with 18 goals and at only 22, could be a brilliant option for Ten Hag to explore. Photo: Getty Images
3. Jonathan David
Another 22-year-old striker who has a big future ahead of him. David netted 16 times in Ligue 1 for Lille last season and won the French top flight the previous year with the Mastiffs. Photo: Getty Images
4. Richarlison
The Brazilian is likely to leave Everton after their poor performance in the Premier League last season with Tottenham said to be interested in signing him this summer. However, if Ten Hag is looking for a forward with experience in England’s top flight then Richarlison could be a solid option and is available for £51m, according to UOL in Portugal. Photo: Getty Images