Forget Zlatan And Rooney – Here Are 3 Forwards Manchester United Should Target In The January Transfer Window

Jose Mourinho’s Manchester United find themselves in a troublesome position after 11 games into the season. The Portuguese manager brought in his choice of players in the summer, but none of them has had a telling impact on the team. Pogba, Ibrahimovic and Bailly have impressed in short bursts and although Ibrahimovic scored 2 goals in their recent 3-1 win against Swansea, he endured a barren run of 6 games without a goal prior to that.

Mourinho’s major problems, of course, lie in attack. Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford too have been subpar this season and all this has had a negative impact on the team’s dynamics. Wayne Rooney has been completely out of sorts, whereas Henrikh Mkhitaryan has barely got a look in due to his inability to adapt to the Premier League’s demands – as mentioned by the manager. Mourinho though remains optimistic heading into the Arsenal game at Old Trafford. It will be a test of his team’s character and also a test of his strike force as Zlatan Ibrahimovic is out owing to suspension.

Everyone including Mourinho is of the opinion that Manchester United need another transfer window or two, at the very least, in order to have a squad that is capable of challenging for the Premier League title. Many thought it would be possible this season, with the acquisitions of the 4 superstars that were brought in, but that hasn’t quite materialised. A good example for this would be how Jurgen Klopp needed this summer’s transfer window to get a real grip on how his team looked and played. The players he brought in have been brilliant and everyone has taken to Klopp’s methods like fishes to water.

With Manchester United’s strike force looking depleted at times, Jose Mourinho should explore into signing any of these 3 super forwards –

Antoine Griezmann

January is definitely a tough time to bring in quality players and players of high order are usually on the move only in the summer. Speaking particularly, Griezmann had a great introduction to the world stage after a few impressive seasons at Atletico Madrid, which was followed by a wonderful performance at this year’s Euro tournament which was staged in his home country of France. At the tournament, he went on to score 6 goals. This made him the top scorer at the Euro’s and also earned him the ‘Best player award’ at the tournament.

Although Atletico might be hesitant to let go of him in January, United should still make a move as he would add something to the lineup that they are currently missing. With his pace, he can run behind the opposition defences and this is something that is clearly missing when Ibrahimovic plays. Griezmann himself might not be interested in the move as United don’t have Champions League football to offer and they currently sit in 6^th place, which might not even assure them of a Europa League berth. One thing that could go in United’s way is that Griezmann has voiced  his intentions to play on the same club team as Pogba and the world’s most expensive player could prove to be pivotal in convincing Griezmann to make the move to Old Trafford.

Romelu Lukaku

The Belgian striker has impressed for Everton this season. He looks to be a changed player and is putting away chances unlike before. He lost his way a bit in the middle but new Everton manager Ronald Koeman seems to have made a big impact in how the former Chelsea player plays. Lukaku was linked with a big-money return to Chelsea, but that didn’t happen as they instead chose to spend half of what they might have spent on their former player, on his compatriot Michy Batshuayi. Everton currently sits level on points with Manchester United and this could be something that hinders any possible transfer.

Koeman has recently gone on to state that Romelu Lukaku won’t be able to fulfil his ultimate potential if he stays at Everton forever and this could be a sign of an impending transfer away from Everton for the big Belgian. Although it was Jose Mourinho that let him go at Chelsea, the manager with Juan Mata has shown that he is adaptable with former players of his.

Andre Silva

If you thought Andre Silva was the cheapest option United have, then think again as this Portuguese wonder striker has a 60 million release clause in his contract. He only made his debut for Porto FC last season, but such has been his rise that he finds himself being a starter for the Portugal national team along with also being a prime player for Porto, where he has consistently found the back of the net this season. At 6’1, he has decent aerial prowess which should help him in the Premier League.

More than anything, it is his instinctive goal scoring qualities that will immensely help him in England if he made the move. Jose Mourinho would surely love to work with a young compatriot of his and have a big influence on his career. He has also been targeted by Arsenal and a couple of other clubs, so if Manchester United want to bring him in, they will need to act fast before another club pounces.