Michael Owen believes Benfica star Darwin Nunez could be the perfect replacement for Edinson Cavani at Manchester United this summer.
The Uruguay international has caught the eye with his performances in Portugal this season. Nunez has scored 21 goals in just 23 league appearances, leading to reports that he could be in line for a big-money move this summer.
United are among the sides to have been linked with a move for the 22-year-old, while Arsenal also reportedly hold an interest. Ralf Rangnick has already indicated United need to target a new striker as one of their priorities for the summer.
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Nunez underlined his growing reputation as he got himself on the scoresheet during Benfica’s Champions League quarter-final against Liverpool, although the Portuguese side would end up losing the first leg 3-1. With his fellow countryman Cavani set to leave Old Trafford in the coming months, Owen believes Nunez could be the perfect replacement.
"He’s a great shape for starters. Nowadays, if you’re going to lead the line on your own you’ve got to have a real presence and he’s got that,” Owen told BT Sport. "He’s got size, he’s good in the air and he’s quick as well. He’s deceptively quick.
"Only 22 years old. You think of how many decent strikers Uruguay have had in the past, and this lad looks like the next on the conveyor belt. He will give Liverpool problems, he’s certainly well touted around Europe. He could be the next one to join a top European club, he’s got plenty about him."
Former Liverpool and Tottenham striker Peter Crouch agreed, adding: "I think Manchester United were looking at him. [Luis] Suarez and Cavani, he plays up front with them for Uruguay and I think he’s got something like 27 goals in all competitions this year.
"He’s obviously going to be a big threat. Set pieces as well, he’s good in the air and against Ajax they (Benfica) were very good at set pieces.”
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