Reports: Man Utd will seek out a striker in January

Posted Monday, December 14, 2015 by squawka.com

Manchester United will be looking to sign a striker in the January transfer window, in a bid to end their disastrous form in front of goal, as per ESPN FC.

Louis van Gaal’s team have been woeful in the final third of the pitch, with fans angered by a lack of attacking intent from the Dutchman’s patient, possession-based philosophy.

But after their Champions League exit at the hands of Wolfsburg, which was then compounded by a 2-1 loss to Bournemouth yesterday, it seems the club are finally ready to dip into the market to try and lift their goalscoring exploits.

Wayne Rooney and Anthony Martial have managed just five Premier League goals between them this term, and while the 20-year-old Martial may not have been expected to take on all of the responsibility in front of goal, the misfiring United captain will be a worry for Van Gaal.

Having already shipped out Javier Hernandez to Bayer Leverkusen – who has scored 15 goals in 19 games in all competitions for the Bundesliga outfit – United fans will be expecting a striker of proven quality to address their barren spell.

January transfer windows are notoriously difficult to negotiate in and so there is always the chance a short-term option may be favoured.

Alexandre Pato has already been linked with a move to Old Trafford by the London Evening Standard, and given the striker’s seeming intent to play in England, the Brazilian could be an option with experience at the top level of football.

However, Pato was spotted at Stamford Bridge last weekend, and United may need to move quickly to add the 26-year-old, who scored 10 goals in 33 appearances for Sao Paolo this year.

For a player who has shown an eye for goal in the Premier League, Van Gaal could be tempted to make a move for Leicester City’s Jamie Vardy, the top flight’s top scorer.

The Daily Express, meanwhile, have reported the striker is a target for the Red Devils.

Another potential option for United could be Everton striker Romelu Lukaku, per Express. The Belgian forward has been impressive form for the Toffees, with 12 goals in 16 league games this term.

At just 22, Van Gaal’s preference for youth could lead to Lukaku becoming the most favoured signing.