“Tight” – Manchester United have perfect option as striker budget number revealed

Manchester United already have the perfect striker option available in the transfer market this summer as Erik ten Hag’s striker budget is explained.

Erik ten Hag is desperate to bring in a new striker to Manchester United this summer after the 2022/23 season saw his squad struggle for goals.

Marcus Rashford blew his fellow team-mates out of the water last season, scoring 30 goals across all club competitions – Bruno Fernandes as the next closest, on 14.

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Despite trialling Wout Weghorst, Anthony Martial, and Cristiano Ronaldo up front, Ten Hag was unable to find a consistent goalscoring option, so has been scouring the market this summer to find a reliable scorer.

One major obstacle for Ten Hag is this season’s budget – Samuel Luckhurst of the Manchester Evening News has revealed that United have a maximum of £65 million this summer to spend on a striker.

Ten Hag’s first-choice striker option this window has been Harry Kane. But with the Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy demanding at least £100m for the England captain while claiming that he will not sell to a rival club, the chances of Kane joining the team are less than unrealistic.

There may, however, already be a perfect striker out there for Ten Hag that could be within this budget.

Benfica’s Gonçalo Ramos had a spectacular campaign last season, scoring 27 goals and providing a further 12 assists in 47 appearances for his club, as well as a dazzling hat trick for Portugal in the World Cup quarter-finals against Switzerland.

Although Ramos’ price has been quoted at between £70-80m depending on the report, the latest of those have suggested that he could be available at a lower price. If United play their cards right, Ramos could be exactly what United need.

“I think Gonçalo has all the conditions to play in the Premier League,” said Bruno Fernandes of his fellow countryman last month. “He plays with a lot of intensity, he presses very well and is really good inside the penalty area. He is strong. Obviously, he is still very young and will improve a lot.”

“If he continues to work as he has worked so far, I believe he has the potential to become one of the best strikers in the world. He is already close to that level, but he still needs to go to a more competitive league and prove himself. He will go there, something I believe he has all the capabilities to do.

Asked whether Ramos could join him at United this summer, Fernandes added: “Here, the best players will always be valued, be it Gonçalo or someone else. I think he has all the qualities to play in the Premier League, and when I say in the Premier League, I also mean Manchester United.

“I think he could become a great reference in years to come. But it is still not in my hands, it is up to the sporting director. When I am in that position, I will make those decisions.”