When it comes to signing a striker this summer, it is a recruitment mission that Manchester United cannot afford to get wrong.
After a successful first season under manager Erik ten Hag, United have grand ambitions to take the next step in their resurrection under the Dutchman's stewardship in 2023/24. To ensure that ambition becomes a reality, however, they must source a new striker.
With the exception of Marcus Rashford, who scored 30 goals in all competitions this season, none of United's attackers stepped up to the plate in front of goal at a consistent rate. Anthony Martial spent more time assigned to the treatment room and Wout Weghorst was not up to the standard required.
It is why Ten Hag has made it his primary objective to add a world-class striker to his squad in this summer's transfer window. Harry Kane has been earmarked as the Dutchman's top target, but United are working under the assumption that Tottenham Hotspur will refuse to sell their star asset.
READ MORE: Victor Osimhen vs Randal Kolo Muani - who would be better for United?
Understandably, that has meant United have drawn up a list of alternative targets ahead of the window officially opening on Wednesday. They are understood to have drawn up a shortlist consisting of six strikers, including Kane, who they believe would increase their attacking output.
Among those six is Eintracht Frankfurt ace Randal Kolo Muani. The 24-year-old, who is a France international, joined the Bundesliga club on a free transfer last summer after leaving French outfit Nantes.
He enjoyed an outstanding maiden season in Germany, scoring 23 goals and grabbing 17 assists in all competitions. Fifteen of his 23 goals came in the Bundesliga, meaning only Werder Bremen's Niclas Fullkrug and Christopher Nkunku of RB Leipzig scored more in the division in 2022/23, plundering 16 goals each.
Furthermore, his tally of 14 assists in the Bundesliga meant nobody else could either match or beat his tally of 29 direct goal contributions overall. He was a creative force and it is no surprise that United, as well as others, are keeping a close eye on him.
At the age of 24, the striker is on an upward trajectory, reaching a point in his career where big-name clubs are beginning to take notice of him. But the big question surrounding Kolo Muani is: is he ready to be the first choice striker at a club like United?
United need to recruit a world-class striker this summer who can spearhead their forward line and handle the pressure that will come with that responsibility. Furthermore, some supporters believe the club would also benefit from bringing in a secondary striker to offer support and competition amid the prospect of Martial being sold.
Kolo Muani, as impressive as his performances and his numbers were this season, may not yet be considered as the main striker the Reds need, but in the event of United moving for his signature and bringing him to Old Trafford, he would expect the opportunity to earn regular game time and be given the chance to become an even better player.
Recently addressing his future, Kolo Muani said: "I'm really looking for the club that will give me the chance to be able to express myself, to earn game time and most importantly allow me to grow."
With that said, it is unlikely that the Frenchman, despite age and time being on his side, would be content with joining United just to warm the bench and get the odd start here and there; he would expect to join the club with the guarantee of being Ten Hag's first choice striker.
Considering he racked up 40 direct goal contributions this season, though, you can hardly blame him. He will expect to start week-in, week-out from here on in, either at Frankfurt or a new club.
He offered plenty of promise in Germany this season, but his biggest challenge now is to prove that he is not just a one season wonder. That is what United may have to consider most.
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