Erik ten Hag is intent on signing two strikers for Manchester United this summer as he continues a ruthless overhaul of the first-team squad at Old Trafford.
United’s plan is to sign two forwards this summer – one with the profile to immediately fit into their strongest starting line-up and a younger option who can be rotated into the side throughout the campaign.
Ten Hag is keen to move on striker Anthony Martial this summer – the Frenchman has undergone another frustrating season without sustained form or fitness. The striker is a favourite of United co-chairman Joel Glazer but the boss is set to win the argument on cashing in.
The club’s Glazer family owners previously blocked Jose Mourinho’s attempts to sell the forward, when the former boss tried to allow Martial to leave in a move to tempt then-Barcelona midfielder Ivan Rakitic to Old Trafford. However, the club will listen to offers this summer.
With Tottenham unwilling to sell striker Harry Kane, much less to a direct Premier League rival, and Napoli’s prohibitive price tag for Victor Osimhen – United have turned to other targets. Talks have been held over moves for Atalanta striker Rasmus Hojlund and Eintracht Frankfurt forward Randal Kolo Muani.
As reported earlier this month in The Athletic, interest in both has been moved forward with deals being assessed this summer. It would signal the continued overhaul of United’s first-team squad under Ten Hag.
Have Your Say! Which strikers should Man Utd sign this summer? Tell us what you think here.
Denmark international Hojlund is seen as a striker with huge future potential and has impressed in his debut season in Bergamo having joined from Sturm Graz last summer. Despite a host of clubs tracking his progress, United were said to be the most advanced in their interest.
United are emerging as favourites to sign Hojlund. It is believed that a bid of £43million (€50m) would be enough to sign the striker, with Sky Sports reporting that the Red Devils are poised to formalise their interest in the player.
Speaking back in January, Hojlund revealed of his preference for joining United: “Now that you ask, I will not hide the fact that I am a huge Manchester United fan. So personally, it would be one of the biggest things for me, but of course, that doesn’t mean that I would turn down other big clubs if the offers come at some point.”
The highly-rated Denmark international has recently joined up with the SEG agency – the company that also represents United boss Ten Hag. Hojlund explained to Tipsbladet of his decision to bring new representatives over his future: “It’s a trial period and that’s all I can say.”
Talking of United’s interest in him, Hojlund honestly admitted: "It is a huge club, so I must have done something right if it’s rumoured they want me. We have to see what happens.
"As you see and hear, I imagine a lot could happen to quite a few strikers this summer, as many clubs are looking for a no9. Something will definitely happen there, and then we’ll have to wait and see if I am included in it.
"I am very happy to be with Atalanta and we have qualified for Europe. I have found myself in a really good place here, so now we have to wait and see."
Interest in France international Kolo Muani may prove trickier to bring to a conclusion, but United have received a boost in that Frankfurt will not seek to increase his relatively modest €1.5million annual salary while his future is uncertain – as detailed by Sky Sports in Germany.
The same report does add that Bayern Munich are also keen on signing the France international, who appears likely to be on the move this summer.
