Man United could show Premier League title intent with this transfer move

Manchester United remain well away from competing for the Premier League title and in order to claw themselves in the right direction, they need to make smart moves in the upcoming transfer windows.

Despite promise under Erik ten Hag this season, the squad that he has at Old Trafford is simply a mix of the several different managers and philosophies that have come since Sir Alex Ferguson.

The Dutchman was able to bring in his own style of player last summer but was then handicapped in January to two loan signings due to the takeover process – which could also impact the coming window.

Whether or not United’s ownership changes in the next months, the club will need to be smart in who and when they bring players in. There have been countless examples of The Reds bringing in the wrong profile, position or player in recent years.

However, recent reports have indicated that Ten Hag and the club have an astute plan to address the long-term striker problems that have occurred at Old Trafford.

Once a club that would have four world-class number nines in one matchday squad, United have been starved in the position for many years. Even the likes of Robin van Persie, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Edinson Cavani – who had successful campaigns with The Reds – only boasted short-term gains for the club.

They have signed six strikers since 2012 that you might define as world-class: the three aforementioned names, Ramadel Falcao, Romelu Lukaku and the second-time signing of Cristiano Ronaldo. Four of those offered just one season which you can describe as world-class, or even great, Falcao was a straight-up failure, and Lukaku was somewhat successful but ultimately did not last.

Five of the six were already in – or about to enter – their thirties when signing for the club. There was no real succession plan in any of these cases. Perhaps the idea was for Anthony Martial or Marcus Rashford to take over, despite both players having always played their best football from the left side of the pitch in their youth.

Of course, longevity is a wonderful thing but can you always pick up these strikers when they are in their early twenties? It’s definitely more difficult to throw them into a side like the one at Old Trafford.

The latest reports from The Telegraph have indicated that United could look to sign two strikers in the upcoming summer window. One being a ready-made world-class striker and the other; a top talent who can grow into the first.

Harry Kane and Rasmus Hojlund were the two names for either potential signing in the report and the deals would make complete sense. Kane is coming off the back of one of his best-ever seasons in the Premier League, whilst Hojlund has emerged as one of the most exciting prospects as a no.9.

United have not often covered all directions in their transfer business, but this certainly would be the case for their goalscoring department. One world-class forward ready to raise the level of the team’s frontline, one 20-year-old who can learn from Kane and eventually take over him.

Would these two transfers alone elevate United to title challengers? Probably not. There are many issues in the team and squad. But it would show the intent and intelligence that is needed for the club to get there one day soon.