With less than a week to go until the summer transfer window officially opens, it remains a mystery as to who Manchester United will turn to in an attempt to solve their goalscoring troubles.
As has been well-documented in recent months, United manager Erik ten Hag has made it his primary mission this summer to bring in a world-class striker. With the exception of Marcus Rashford, none of United's attackers stepped up to the plate in front of goal this season, meaning it is a problem that must be addressed ahead of 2023/24.
As revealed by the Manchester Evening News back in March, Ten Hag has identified Tottenham Hotspur ace Harry Kane as his top target. Sources say that the Dutchman is "obsessed" with the England captain, but United are working under the assumption that Spurs will not sell the 29-year-old this summer.
Quite rightly, United have kept that possibility at the forefront of their recruitment mission in recent months, meaning they have drawn up a list of alternative options, including Atalanta striker Rasmus Hojlund.
READ MORE: Erik ten Hag is already meeting Sheikh Jassim and Sir Jim Ratcliffe's takeover promises
Hojlund is considered an attainable target for United this summer and Ten Hag, as reported by the Manchester Evening News last week, has held discussions with the Dane via video calls. The youngster joined Atalanta from Austrian club Sturm Graz last summer and scored 10 goals in 34 matches in his debut season at the club.
He also scored five goals for Denmark in just two matches, marking his first senior start for his country with a hat-trick in a 3-1 win over Finland back in March. It means he is attracting plenty of attention and has, by some, been dubbed the 'next Erling Haaland'.
With that in mind, the prospect of him joining United this summer would be an exciting one. Though he is still young and largely inexperienced, it would be a statement signing, such is the level of attention currently surrounding him and his potential.
If United were to secure his signature this summer you can almost guarantee that no shortage of Reds fans would want his name and number on the back of their 2023/24 replica shirts. But what number would he claim if he was to join the Reds?
Currently, the former FC Copenhagen star wears No.17 for Atalanta - the number he was awarded after joining the club last summer. He also wore it previously as a youth player at Copenhagen.
At the time of writing, the No.17 shirt is occupied at Old Trafford by midfielder Fred, who has sported the number since July 2018. However, it could become vacant this summer if the Brazilian departs, ending his five-year stay in M16.
As reported by the Manchester Evening News at the end of last month, Fred has emerged as a transfer target for Fulham and intermediaries have proposed a possible move to Craven Cottage for the midfielder. United want to add a younger central-midfielder to their ranks this summer, meaning someone may have to make way first.
Therefore, if Fred does move on this summer, it would open the door for Hojlund to take the No.17 shirt at Old Trafford, in the event of United landing the Atalanta ace. He has worn other numbers in the past, including No.9, No.11, No.28 and No.45. The No.9 shirt could also be freed up this summer if Anthony Martial departs.
READ NEXT:
