Manchester United have been linked with a move for Real Madrida s Karim Benzema, Tottenham Hotspura s Harry Kane, Napolia s Gonzalo Higuain and Atletico Madrida s Mario Mandzukic in the past few weeks. With Radamel Falcao leaving the club and Robin Van Persie reportedly on his way out, what remains unanswered is whether Manchester United are in the market for two new strikers or just one?
Dutch international Robin Van Persie recently claimed that Manchester United are armed with a massive budget of A?200 Million this summer and hence hinted that he could leave the club in search of more playing time. Having declined to entertain Radamel Falcao at Old Trafford, it seems that Manchester United are likely to end their association with the Dutch striker who does not have the guarantee of being Louis Van Gaala s first team striker in the coming season. So, are United looking to replace both these strikers or are they in the market for just one striker?
As a part of the on going negotiations with Real Madrid over David De Gea, reports suggest that Manchester United are keen to sign the Frenchman who could provide a boost to Louis Van Gaal in the coming season. Benzema personally had a successful season with Real Madrid even though the team finished the year empty handed. His partnership with Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale is touted as one of the most effective in Europe and doubts remain regarding Real Madrida s readiness to part with the striker.
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However reports also suggest that Real Madrid have shifted their focus to Manchester Citya s Sergio Aguero with Rafael Benitez keen to bring the Argentine to the Spanish capital. Such a move could effectively wrap up Benzemaa s future at Santiago Bernabeu and hence he could move to Manchester United sometime later in this transfer window.
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Manchester United have also been linked with a move for Atletico Madrida s Mario Mandzukic amidst links with Harry Kane. According to former Croatian player Milan Rapaic, the Atletico Madrid striker is a very closea to moving to Manchester United with Juventus also chasing his signature this summer. As reported earlier, Gianluigi Buffon urged Mandzukic to sign for the Italian champions ahead of Manchester United. Though Mandzukic has a keen eye for goal and has the physical prowess to succeed in the English Premier League, his drop in form is likely to alert Manchester United officials.
At the same time Manchester United have also been linked with a move for Harry Kane and Gonzalo Higuain. While nothing concrete has been reported in terms of Uniteda s interest in Kane, reports earlier suggested that the club has agreed personal terms with the Argentine international striker. Kane is one of the most promising striker in Europe following a stellar season with Tottenham Hotspur and if Manchester United indeed pull off a spectacular transfer, the 21 year old Englishman will successfully lead the teama s attack for years to come. Higuain, 27, and Mario Mandzukic who is 29, pale in comparison to the Tottenham Hotspur striker.
Due to compete in Europe, Manchester United are in dire need to revamp their squad if they hope to successfully compete in the different tournaments in the coming season. Though Wayne Rooney has the ability to lead the teama s attack, Van Gaala s first year in charge indicates that the Dutchman would rather use his captain in an assisting capacity. With Falcao out and Van Persie looking to follow suit, Manchester United will have to enter the market for two new strikers. Though Chicharito has returned to the side following his loan spell with Real Madrid, it seems unlikely that he will figure in Uniteda s plan for the future.
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However, even though Manchester United are armed with a heavy purse, it seems unlikely that they will be able to sign Harry Kane and Karim Benzema in the same transfer window. The two strikers will demand a prominent role in the team and it is obvious that Van Gaal cannot use them both in his starting line-up. Hence, it appears that United will either look to sign Benzema or Harry Kane this summer and probably sign someone like Mario Mandzukic who could be used as an effective squad player to shoulder the responsibility.