He’s better than Kolo Muani: Man Utd plot £30m move for “the new Gyokeres”

Manchester United’s struggles in front of goal have been painfully clear in recent weeks, and this was especially evident during their FA Cup clash against Arsenal on Sunday evening. Despite eventually securing a win through penalties, the Red Devils’ attacking woes were laid bare for all to see. The match, which saw both teams battle for 120 minutes, produced a mere four shots on target for United. Their lack of cutting edge in the final third was worrying, and it was clear that something needed to change for the team to regain their goal-scoring prowess.

Leading the line for United was Rasmus Højlund, the young striker who had been brought in to fill the void left by previous talismanic figures. However, his performance in the match was far from convincing. Højlund failed to register a single shot on target, losing every single one of his duels on the field. By the 80th minute, the Danish striker had been replaced, leaving fans and pundits alike questioning whether he could be the solution to United’s attacking issues.

Højlund’s struggles in front of goal have been a cause for concern, as he has now gone seven matches without scoring across all competitions. This dry spell has only exacerbated the club’s ongoing difficulties, with United managing just 23 goals in their first 20 Premier League matches of the campaign. For a team with aspirations of challenging for silverware, this lack of firepower has become a serious issue. It’s becoming increasingly clear that Manchester United need to strengthen their attacking options, and the hierarchy at Old Trafford may soon be forced to make a move in the transfer market.

With the January transfer window now open, United’s search for a new striker has reportedly intensified. According to recent reports, the club is eyeing a potential move for a £30m-rated forward who could provide a much-needed spark in their attack. The player in question is Conrad Harder, a promising 19-year-old striker currently playing for Sporting CP in Portugal.

Harder only joined Sporting CP in September, but his impact has been immediate. Despite his young age, the forward has already impressed in Liga Portugal, scoring seven goals in 23 appearances for the club. His performances have caught the eye of several top European clubs, with Manchester United emerging as one of the frontrunners for his signature. The young striker’s versatility, pace, and goal-scoring ability make him an attractive option for a club in desperate need of a solution to their attacking problems.

The report suggests that while Sporting CP would prefer to keep Harder, they could be open to offers in the region of €35m (£30m), a fee that could prove to be a bargain for a player with so much potential. United’s interest in Harder makes sense, especially considering the club’s need for a striker who can provide both short-term and long-term solutions. Harder’s age means that he could be a valuable asset for many years to come, and his performances this season have shown that he has the talent to make an immediate impact at a higher level.

For Manchester United, Harder represents an intriguing option. While they have been linked with more established names like Randal Kolo Muani, Harder’s potential and relatively low price tag make him an attractive alternative. The 19-year-old is often compared to Viktor Gyökeres, a player whose stock has risen rapidly in recent years, and Harder’s development suggests that he could follow a similar trajectory. The comparisons to Gyökeres are not unwarranted, as both players share a similar style of play, with Harder known for his pace, technical ability, and instinct for finding the back of the net.

The prospect of signing Harder also raises questions about the future of Højlund at United. While the Danish forward is still young and has the potential to improve, his recent performances have raised doubts about whether he can truly lead the line for a club of United’s stature. Harder could provide the competition and support that Højlund needs to elevate his game, while also offering a different option for the attack. His arrival could push Højlund to step up and fight for his place in the team, adding much-needed depth to the squad.

However, it is still uncertain whether United will follow through with their interest in Harder or pursue other targets. The club has been linked with a host of potential signings in recent months, but with the January transfer window now open, they will need to act swiftly if they wish to secure Harder’s signature before other suitors get involved. The competition for the young striker is expected to be fierce, and United may need to move quickly to land their man.

One of the key advantages of signing Harder is his ability to operate in multiple attacking positions. While he is primarily a central striker, the 19-year-old has shown that he is capable of playing across the front line, which would give United greater flexibility in their attacking setup. His ability to play in different roles could prove invaluable for manager Erik ten Hag, who has been known to rotate his attacking options throughout the season.

Moreover, Harder’s arrival would give United an additional option in the final third, allowing them to vary their attacking approach. With the team often relying on the creativity of Bruno Fernandes and the pace of players like Marcus Rashford, a player like Harder, who can link up play and finish chances, could provide the perfect complement to their existing attacking options.

Manchester United’s need for a new striker is no longer a matter of luxury; it is a necessity. With Højlund struggling to find form and the team’s attacking output well below expectations, the addition of a player like Harder could be the catalyst needed to turn their season around. The young striker’s potential, combined with his ability to make an immediate impact, makes him an exciting prospect for the future of the club.

While there are no guarantees that United will be able to land Harder, the possibility of securing the “new Gyökeres” for just £30m represents a rare opportunity to strengthen their squad with a young talent who has already shown he can deliver at a high level. If United can get this deal over the line, they could have a future star on their hands, one who could play a key role in their attacking setup for years to come.

In conclusion, Manchester United’s search for a new striker has taken a promising turn with the potential signing of Conrad Harder. The 19-year-old has already demonstrated his goal-scoring ability in Portugal, and his arrival at Old Trafford could provide the club with a much-needed boost in their attacking options. Harder’s versatility, technical ability, and eye for goal make him a perfect fit for United’s needs, and if the club can secure his signature, they may have just found the solution to their attacking woes. The January transfer window is still in its early stages, and the next few weeks will be crucial in determining whether United can land their man.