Manchester United’s pursuit of a new striker has taken a new turn this summer, with Erik ten Hag blocking a move for a 146-goal striker.
Manchester United’s summer window got off to the perfect start, securing the signing of top target Matheus Cunha; however, since then, they have experienced some bumps in the road.
Their pursuit of Bryan Mbeumo seemed all but done until Tottenham Hotspur appointed Thomas Frank as their new manager, which has seemingly thrown a spanner in the works.
Regarding a new striker, United have seen multiple targets either stay put or head elsewhere so far, with a decreasing number of options being left in the running.
This being said, former United manager Erik Ten Hag could be set to hand his previous side another blow this summer, as he hopes to give his striker a ‘fresh start’.
Ten Hag keen on keeping Schick
After being let go by United in October, Ten Hag has since found himself a new job as Xabi Alonso’s replacement for Bayer Leverkusen, which he will start this summer.
According to Sky Sports, Leverkusen striker Patrik Schick has received multiple enquiries from the Premier League and Serie A regarding a summer move, but the Dutch manager is keen on keeping him.
Schick, who has scored 146 goals in his senior career for club and country, has recently rejected approaches from Saudi Arabia and has a deal expiring in two years.
According to previous reports, the Czech Republic striker has been eyed by the Old Trafford club, having enjoyed a fruitful season in Germany, which saw him score 21 league goals in 19 starts (31 matches).
Who will solve United’s striker conundrum?
Now that this looks like another option has been ruled out, where does this leave United as they aim to solve their striker shortcomings?
Liam Delap has moved to Chelsea, Victor Osimhen has extortionate wage demands, Viktor Gyokeres has prioritised Arsenal, and Jean-Philippe Mateta has been offered a new contract at Crystal Palace. This leaves only a few names remaining.
Read More: What André Onana told Bryan Mbeumo as Manchester United target ‘accepts’ transfer speculation
Despite a disastrous last season, the Red Devils will still hope that their stature alone can allure a top target before the window draws close, but their options are whittling down at an alarming rate.
The coming weeks, even months, will be a tense watch for all United fans, who will be desperate to see their attacking woes put behind them, but who will they sign?
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