Manchester United scouts keeping “close eye” on international fixture as two Ruben Amorim targets go head to head

Manchester United are reportedly set to keep a close eye on one international fixture this week as two of Rúben Amorim’s reported targets go head to head.

Manchester United are set to prioritise attacking reinforcements this summer as Rúben Amorim’s side struggle for consistency in front of goal.

Aside from Bruno Fernandes, United’s attacking options have been largely ineffective this season, with the front three often failing to find the net. Their inconsistent form at Old Trafford has only added to growing concerns.

In the last transfer window, the club loaned out several first-team forwards, including Antony to Real Betis, Marcus Rashford to Aston Villa, and Ethan Wheatley to Walsall for the remainder of the season.

However, fans were left frustrated as United failed to sign any attacking replacements. The only January arrivals were left wing-back Patrick Dorgu from Lecce and 18-year-old centre-back Ayden Heaven from Arsenal.

United keeping close eye on international fixture

With United looking for a new striker, a report has emerged that United scouts will be keeping an eye when England’s U21s face off against France U21s on Friday evening.

According to the Daily Mail, United will be monitoring the fixture as two of the club’s summer striker targets, Liam Delap and Hugo Ekitike, will be going head to head.

England’s Delap has proved himself a force in the Premier League after departing Manchester City to join Ipswich Town this season. At the same time, France’s Ekitike has scored 19 goals across all competitions with Eintracht Frankfurt this campaign.

The report also adds that the Frenchman is one player United are “looking at closely,” and should Amorim’s team also throw themselves in the mix for Delap, they will face competition from Chelsea?

Is Delap or Ekitike what United really need?

While reports have stated previously that United want to build a strong squad of young, talented players to nurture and grow as Amorim stamps his authority at United, there are questions.

While having a young squad is often the way at United, with some of the side’s most successful eras under Sir Alex Ferguson coming with talented U25 players within the team, much can be said about having experience in the mix, too.

Rasmus Højlund has struggled for goals this season, with many feeling the fact the 22-year-old does not have an experienced, senior striker to work with, he has been left exposed and unaided while he continue to develop.

Read More: “I think I can…” Jonathan David says what Rúben Amorim wants to hear with Manchester United circling

In defence, United have a number of promising young players, such as Leny Yoro and Ayden Heaven, who have performed well, while experienced players, such as Harry Maguire and Matthijs de Ligt, help guide them.

However, in attack, United’s oldest forward player is 23-year-old Joshua Zirkzee, who has struggled himself at points this season.

It may be better off United targetting signing a more experienced forward who can guarantee goals while also aiding the development of young strikers such as Højlund and Chido Obi.

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