Manchester United may want to change tack in the next transfer window. Perhaps two strikers out and two in could really boost Rangnick’s ranks?
Forget New Year’s resolutions, Manchester United require a New Year’s reshuffle. Ralf Rangnick’s squad needs reorganising following the messy state Ole Gunnar Solskjaer left it in.
Some positions are overpopulated; others are crying out for more bodies.
Defensive midfield is definitely an area that needs looking at, as possibly do the full-back spots.
Raphael Varane’s repeated injuries, along with Victor Lindelof’s recent health scare, might cause the Old Trafford hierarchy to dip into the centre-back market too.
Yet it seems there will be more outgoings than incomings once the January window opens.
Martial and Cavani on their way?
Jesse Lingard is being heavily tipped to leave the Red Devils as he seeks to repeat the half-season revival he enjoyed at West Ham United.
Meanwhile, Anthony Martial’s agent has publicly declared his client wants to cut ties with his current employers at the next available opportunity.
“Anthony wishes to leave the club in January,” Phillipe Lamboley told Sky Sports.
It’s no surprise to hear the Frenchman’s wishes to make it away from Manchester. There haven’t been enough magical moments since he signed for United as a highly touted teenager in 2015.
Martial has started just four games this season, scoring a solitary goal. A change of scenery is the least the 26-year-old needs to rediscover his sparkle.
Another of Rangnick’s forwards who could be on the move is Edinson Cavani.
The Times reports the Uruguay international wants to join Barcelona in the summer as his opportunities in England have decreased after the arrival of Cristiano Ronaldo and Jadon Sancho.
However, Cavani’s wishes could be met earlier than the summer. According to Sport, United have told the veteran attacker he can link up with Barca next month if he so desires.
From Mbappe to Suarez
If Martial and Cavani both pack their bags, Rangnick’s employers may have to keep an eye out for frontmen available for service.
After all, Ronaldo can’t play every game and Marcus Rashford is still searching for his golden touch.
Unfortunately, there aren’t many top-end strikers on the market United could swipe for a bargain. Then again…
… a certain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang might need rescuing, while Kylian Mbappe is out of contract at the end of the campaign. Perhaps the bright lights of the Theatre of Dreams could tickle his fancy?
Luis Suarez is another whose deal ends in June – but his history with United makes that move appear unlikely.
A more realistic option is Torino’s Andrea Belotti – part of the expiring contract brigade who has been mooted for a Premier League move for some time.
Imagine what Rangnick could do with Mbappe and Belotti in his ranks?
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