With just two months to go until the start of the 2023/24 Premier League season, it is impossible to predict who will spearhead Manchester United's attack in their season opener against Wolves.
Manager Erik ten Hag, who oversaw an excellent job in his first season in charge, has made signing a striker his primary objective in this summer's transfer window. United were too reliant on Marcus Rashford's contributions in front of goal this season, meaning they must bring in a recognisable No.9 to ease the burden on his shoulders.
As reported by the Manchester Evening News in March, Ten Hag has pinpointed Tottenham Hotspur ace Harry Kane as his top target, with sources claiming that he is "obsessed" with the England captain. However, United are working under the assumption that Spurs will not sell their star asset this summer.
With that in mind, the Reds have drawn up a list of alternative options. Among them are Atalanta's Rasmus Hojlund, Victor Osimhen of Napoli and Eintracht Frankfurt striker Randal Kolo Muani.
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But such is the current level of uncertainty surrounding the prospect of a takeover coming to fruition, Ten Hag is in the dark on who could end up funding his summer recruitment drive. The Dutchman wants to strengthen several areas within his squad this summer and he risks missing out on top targets if sufficient funding is unavailable.
United also know they need to sell players to generate funds this summer. Ten Hag has identified the additions of a striker and a central midfielder as his leading priorities, though the task of recruiting a new first choice goalkeeper could soon be considered just as important if David de Gea departs. To make matters even more complex, Ten Hag also needs to add strength in depth and upgrade their back-up options to compete in four different competitions next term.
One area within the squad where they are currently stretched is up front. Following the end of Wout Weghorst's loan deal, Anthony Martial is now the club's only out-and-out striker at senior level. He missed large portions of the 2022/23 campaign through injury and, as revealed by the Manchester Evening News in February, United are open to selling him.
If he goes, United will need to bring in two new strikers this summer, not just one. Even if Martial stays, his injury record suggests two additions could still be needed.
Ten Hag, speaking in April, addressed the importance of having two players per position throughout his squad.
"We have to acknowledge that, especially in the frontline, we had problems during the whole season because we just didn't have the numbers there," said Ten Hag. "If the squad is so strong that you have in every position double the same quality, then it's good.
"I think we have rotated during the whole season, but this season is crazy with the World Cup in between because many of our players went there. Then we played an extra round in the Europa League, so maybe we played the most games of all teams across Europe.
"The frontline for instance. It hasn't often played the same, because of injuries and suspensions. I think the players are, to a certain point, very capable and we have players in the squad who can really take the load of so many games.
"But when you play a lot of games, and the load is getting higher, you need to rotate because you have to keep the players fit and fresh. Then you look to the next game and you have to take decisions in a tactical approach or in a personal approach. Sometimes I can go strong in certain situations - but it's about the timing of when to use it."
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