There may be some envious glances from Manchester United towards their neighbours Manchester City after they announced the imminent arrival of £51million signing Erling Haaland. But Erik ten Hag has every reason to feel optimistic, having already identified his own version.
The Dutchman will have funds to spend and the power that not many past Man United managers have enjoyed at Old Trafford this summer after major changes to the hierarchy at the club. And his first target is thought to be Benfica striker Darwin Nunez, who has been in sensational form this season, bagging six goals in the Champions League.
Man City have landed a blow to their rivals in landing Norwegian star Haaland ahead of next season. And while Nunez is not quite at his level in terms of his record playing in a top-five European league, there is plenty to suggest the Uruguayan could become just as lethal. The 22-year-old has impressed in the Champions League this season and was regarded as the key reason behind the Portuguese outfit's run to the quarter-finals, before they were knocked out by Liverpool.
