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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Sport
John McDougall

Andy Cole and Dwight Yorke disagree on Manchester United's best striker option this summer

Manchester United's top priority in the summer transfer window is a new striker.

United were left short in that area of the squad when Cristiano Ronaldo departed mid-season. Wout Weghorst arrived on loan from Burnley in January but found the back of the net just twice in his time at Old Trafford.

Marcus Rashford fired home 30 goals and was the club's top scorer, but nobody else in the squad scored even half the number of goals the England international managed. Signing a new forward is a top priority for Erik ten Hag.

READ MORE: What happens next in United takeover process as Sheikh Jassim deadline passes

Among the targets to have been shortlisted by United this summer are Tottenham Hotspur's Harry Kane and Victor Osimhen of Napoli. Kane has 12 months left to go on his Spurs deal, though United are operating under the assumption the London side will not allow him to leave, while Osimhen's Napoli contract runs until 2025.

United Treble winner Dwight Yorke believes United boss Ten Hag has a "platform to build on" after a successful first campaign in charge at Old Trafford. He believes a number nine will be key to bridging the gap to Manchester City and that Kane would fit the bill.

Speaking to The Sun, Yorke said: “He has got a platform to build on after coming third and winning the EFL Cup but they are still far away from City.

“What this United team needs is a No.9, that needs to be resolved. Harry Kane fits that bill. He still has a few more years and he will give you 25 goals.”

However, that goes against what his former strike partner, Andy Cole, believes. Cole feels United should prioritise signing Osimhen over Kane owing to the Napoli frontman's age.

Speaking earlier this year, Cole said: "Kane is 30 years old next season and Osimhen is currently 24 years old and he's already done a lot at his age too. Italian football is difficult but there will be no doubts that he can adapt to the Premier League.

"If Manchester United want to pay £100million for a 24-year-old or a 30-year-old, you have to look at it in the long-term. The only value Manchester United can get from Kane is if he can win them the Premier League.

"Meanwhile, Osimhen is near the same age as Erling Haaland and look what he's doing at the moment. If Haaland stays at Manchester City for another four years, he'll still be worth £100million or more, so it depends on what Manchester United are looking for."

A Manchester Evening News special souvenir edition - Fergie's First - charts United's 1992/93 title-winning campaign and you can get your hands on one here

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