Someone is going to have to join Wayne Rooney and James Wilson in the Manchester United strike force. Ed Woodward has had an epic week, re-making the midfield into something spectacular, shoring up the defense, scoring an “own goal” by holding onto goalkeeper David De Gea. Now one major task still remains- replace all that’s missing in the attack.
Robin van Persie is gone to Fenerbahce, Radamel Falcao was not asked to return. Chicharito is hurt, and in transfer rumors to MLS. Time to look at who would be their replacements at Man United.
1. Edinson Cavani
The Guardian claim that Edinson Cavani is Louis van Gaal’s No 1 choice to fill the vacancy left by RVP. In fact, all the tabloids are jumping on board with this idea; saying Cavani is United’s next big summer buy. The Daily Express claims that Cavani and Nicolas Otamendi are the next main targets that Man United has set its sight on. The Star reported that United are ready to offer Angel Di Maria to PSG in a straight swap for the Uruguay international striker.
Cavani’s time at Paris-Saint Germain has mostly been spent in the shadow of Zlatan Ibrahimovic, so there’s little wonder that his name continues to surface on the rumor mill.
However, something doesn’t add up with these Cavani rumors. It starts with the idea that United are already okay with cutting Di Maria lose. He just broke the British transfer record at £59.7 million last August, and United are supposedly going to cut their ties already? As much as Di Maria was portrayed as a flop, he was still first on the team in chances created and assists (third in the premier league).
Marouane Fellaini was thought of as a flop in his first season, and look at how much he improved in his second. If Di Maria can make strides like that in his second year- look out.
I just don’t see this one happening.
2. Christian Benteke
Some publications say Benteke, not Cavani is the true number target for Louis van Gaal. This one, at least makes more sense, as he’s already proven himself at Aston Villa. Plus, there’s been plenty of gossip this summer about Benteke moving to Liverpool. There’s nothing United supporters would like better than to beat the Reds to one of their targets. That would return the favor for LFC besting the Red Devils on Nathaniel Clyne earlier this summer.
With a price of $50 million, this idea isn’t very costly (in the grand scheme of things). Also, it’s the most realistic target on the Man United striker target list.
3. Harry Kane
I have no doubts about United’s interest. Who wouldn’t want a golden boy scoring machine like this on their side? However, I never really bought into the idea that Kane wanted to leave, and I certainly never believed that Spurs wanted to sell. This rumor seems to have quieted down now, but it persist for awhile. Despite the lack of feasibility.
4. Gonzalo Higuain
Another narrative that seems to have dissipated. When the Napoli striker’s name comes up now, it’s usually linked with Arsenal, instead of United. With a $100,000,000 buy-out clause, I don’t think he’s going anywhere. Sorry, Man United fans, it looks like only one name on this list has a legitimate chance of coming over.
Paul M. Banks owns, operates and writes The Sports Bank.net, which is partnered with Fox Sports Digital. Banks, a former writer for the Washington Times, currently contributes to the Chicago Tribune RedEye edition. He also appears regularly on numerous sports talk radio stations all across the country.
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