Do we need to sign a striker?

Striker probably falls in the "nice to have" bucket then the "absolute must" for me.

Sesko has shown real promise now and I think there's reason enough to believe that he can kick on to be a regular 15-20 goal a season striker at least. Cunha and Mbeumo can both also play there serviceably if needed. Chido is probably not ready to be anything more than a substitute player in the cups or against relegation fodder at this stage but he's an option too.

If we have money left over after signing two or three midfielders, a left back, and a more versatile wide forward I'd consider it. I wouldn't want us to pursue it ahead of those four/five signings, though.
 
We need a ‘forward’, and a quality one. If you read the discourse around us, you would think we need only one player to come into the first XI, which is to replace Casemiro. There’s no way, watching us - that this team needs only one player. We need a forward player to help us make the step forward, not someone to come in and play backup either. The market looks poor though. I’m a big fan of Kroupi but he will cost loads and is best through the middle.
 
Rozay said:
We need a ‘forward’, and a quality one. If you read the discourse around us, you would think we need only one player to come into the first XI, which is to replace Casemiro. There’s no way, watching us - that this team needs only one player. We need a forward player to help us make the step forward, not someone to come in and play backup either. The market looks poor though. I’m a big fan of Kroupi but he will cost loads and is best through the middle.
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Agreed on Kroupi. He's the striker I like most out of the options out there but I'm not sure our budget will stretch to that for a striker if we're also chasing a left winger. In the absence of a great winger being available to us on the market, I'd probably still go for him though and sign a developmental option like Monga for the left wing.

Kroupi could probably still do an acceptable job from wide, and I think it's more important to recruit players with high ceilings than players who will inevitably just become squad filler at best and deadwood at worst in years to come.
 
IrwinwasbetterthanCarlos said:
And would you have paid Giggs and Scholes £250k a week minimum for what they were contributing at the end, bearing in mind he’d be coming into a new league and not a club legend that’s been at the club 20+ years? Of course not.

Wage plus age = ridiculous idea.
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Salaries in 2013 were different. There was also an issue that from a PR point of view no one at United could demand Scholes and Giggs to retire. If that happened prior to 2013 then rest assured that the squad would have gone in a revolt, SAF and most of the old guard would probably retire with them, Gill would step down and we'd probably be left at the mercy of two idiots (let's call them Woodward and Murtough) who'd mess things up. In such circumstances the club had to hedge the risk of such players overstaying (something loads of United players tend to do) by offering a lower salary. That happened at Juventus as well with Del Piero for example.

That ain't the case with Lewandowski. He would come on a 1 year contract and leave by the end of it.

Red Indian Chief Torn Rubber said:
All true. Still makes no difference to my central point. You can't be a team trying to rebuild to catch up to the best and you start recruiting players that old (namely 35 plus). They wouldn't even be on low wages.
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The treble side was built on the ashes of United letting 3 of the most influential players go (Ince, Kanchelskis and Hughes) followed by the iconic captain being replaced by the 31 year old captain of Bottlers FC. I recently watched a clip of Scholes and Butt discussing that squad and both agreed that it was superior to the treble side. I respectfully disagree to that but I digress.

I am not delve into whether we should sign Lewandowski or not. All I can say is that there's plenty of boots we need to fill and the budget to do that is indeed limited. We will cut corners in certain areas whether we like it or not. Now its all a matter of whether we believe that Sesko and Chido can step up + whether we believe that there's a year of good football left in Lewandowski if used in the right way.
 
devilish said:
Salaries in 2013 were different. There was also an issue that from a PR point of view no one at United could demand Scholes and Giggs to retire. If that happened prior to 2013 then rest assured that the squad would have gone in a revolt, SAF and most of the old guard would probably retire with them, Gill would step down and we'd probably be left at the mercy of two idiots (let's call them Woodward and Murtough) who'd mess things up. In such circumstances the club had to hedge the risk of such players overstaying (something loads of United players tend to do) by offering a lower salary. That happened at Juventus as well with Del Piero for example.

That ain't the case with Lewandowski. He would come on a 1 year contract and leave by the end of it.


The treble side was built on the ashes of United letting 3 of the most influential players go (Ince, Kanchelskis and Hughes) followed by the iconic captain being replaced by the 31 year old captain of Bottlers FC. I recently watched a clip of Scholes and Butt discussing that squad and both agreed that it was superior to the treble side. I respectfully disagree to that but I digress.

I am not delve into whether we should sign Lewandowski or not. All I can say is that there's plenty of boots we need to fill and the budget to do that is indeed limited. We will cut corners in certain areas whether we like it or not. Now it’s all a matter of whether we believe that Sesko and Chido can step up + whether we believe that there's a year of good football left in Lewandowski if used in the right way.
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If we have to make budget signing to have a body there, which might happen if we struggle to sell, then Jimenez at 3 years younger and on a fraction of the wages makes a lot more sense. Get the impression he’d be far happier on the bench too. If we’re backing Sesko as our main man (I think we should) then we need someone to start against Port Vale away in the FA Cup third round and come off the bench sometimes. If you’re Robert Lewandowski, with all you’ve done in the game, is that what you’re going to want to do at this stage of your career? I don’t know him personally, but I can hazard a guess that the answer is almost certainly not.
 
IrwinwasbetterthanCarlos said:
If we have to make budget signing to have a body there, which might happen if we struggle to sell, then Jimenez at 3 years younger and on a fraction of the wages makes a lot more sense. Get the impression he’d be far happier on the bench too. If we’re backing Sesko as our main man (I think we should) then we need someone to start against Port Vale away in the FA Cup third round and come off the bench sometimes. If you’re Robert Lewandowski, with all you’ve done in the game, is that what you’re going to want to do at this stage of your career? I don’t know him personally, but I can hazard a guess that the answer is almost certainly not.
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Port Vale are in League 1. You would probably want to use someone like Chido Obi in that game to gain much needed experience at man's football. The experienced head would make sense when we're on the 70th minute against let say PSG and we need an experienced head who can switch things around. A bit what Teddy did against Bayern. He'd play a crucial role in mentoring this relatively inexperienced forward line and to help the squad navigate through the pressure of being close of winning something or through a bad patch. Ibra was key in helping a relatively mediocre AC Milan win their last league title. Sure the Serie A is nowhere near as good as the EPL but the argument still stands. Would you want Jimenez in such circumstances or Lewandowski?

I am not suggesting that we should only be interested in Lewandowski. I am not even suggesting that we should sign Lewandowski at all. Everything hinges on so many variables including the potential of our squad, Lewandowski's willingness to come to United and play that role rather then enjoy his twilight years playing part time football alongside the likes of Messi and Casemiro, our budget, the system we're utilizing, whose available and on what price etc. I can think of other players who might be an option. Vlahovic for example is on a free. The financial package to bring him here is prohibitive but he's also 26. Who knows maybe he prefers being paid less in exchange for a second chance at a top club. Mateta has 1 year contract left in his contract and Milan kind of shat on his value when they revealed that he might have issues with his knee. Zian Flemming from relegated Burnley would surely be at the top of my list. Then there's Delap ie Wilcox favorite whom Chelsea would probably let go on a loan and a ridiculous option to buy clause. As you can see there's plenty of strikers out there who could do the job and wouldn't cost loads of money.
 
devilish said:
Port Vale are in League 1. You would probably want to use someone like Chido Obi in that game to gain much needed experience at man's football. The experienced head would make sense when we're on the 70th minute against let say PSG and we need an experienced head who can switch things around. A bit what Teddy did against Bayern. He'd play a crucial role in mentoring this relatively inexperienced forward line and to help the squad navigate through the pressure of being close of winning something or through a bad patch. Ibra was key in helping a relatively mediocre AC Milan win their last league title. Sure the Serie A is nowhere near as good as the EPL but the argument still stands. Would you want Jimenez in such circumstances or Lewandowski?

I am not suggesting that we should only be interested in Lewandowski. I am not even suggesting that we should sign Lewandowski at all. Everything hinges on so many variables including the potential of our squad, Lewandowski's willingness to come to United and play that role rather then enjoy his twilight years playing part time football alongside the likes of Messi and Casemiro, our budget, the system we're utilizing, whose available and on what price etc. I can think of other players who might be an option. Vlahovic for example is on a free. The financial package to bring him here is prohibitive but he's also 26. Who knows maybe he prefers being paid less in exchange for a second chance at a top club. Mateta has 1 year contract left in his contract and Milan kind of shat on his value when they revealed that he might have issues with his knee. Zian Flemming from relegated Burnley would surely be at the top of my list. Then there's Delap ie Wilcox favorite whom Chelsea would probably let go on a loan and a ridiculous option to buy clause. As you can see there's plenty of strikers out there who could do the job and wouldn't cost loads of money.
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Depends on budget. I think we’ll sign 2 centre mids and a left back no matter what happens, a striker, another midfielder, another forward… they all depend on outgoings, especially Zirkzee with regards a striker.

Personally, I’d favour a signing like Mateta, Richarlison, Toney etc. An experienced player that’s not going to cost the earth in fee or wages, will happily accept being a squad player and be thrilled to be at United. That profile is far closer to the description of Sheringham arriving than signing a 38yo Lewandowski that’s won it all several times over is.
 
Red in STL said:
They are award worthy
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If he wasn't ex-liverpool would they be bizarre?

He's 27, got PL experience, got CL experience. Aggressive, good work rate, decent pace. Can be deployed as a left sided forward as well.

Not the best finisher, but has all the other attributes.

No actual links to him though.
 
If we need one, surely it has to be one that is either a real forward or a really good clinical striker that can work as a suber-sub.

Else we can just use Mbeumo or Cunha.

Lewandowski is out of contract this summer - if he'd be content with a bench/rotating role, I wouldn't be against it. Welbeck's a decent shout too imo.
 
dinostar77 said:
If he wasn't ex-liverpool would they be bizarre?

He's 27, got PL experience, got CL experience. Aggressive, good work rate, decent pace. Can be deployed as a left sided forward as well.

Not the best finisher, but has all the other attributes.

....
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And he is believed to be leaving on a free. Meaning you have interest in him there is no transfer fee.
 
IrwinwasbetterthanCarlos said:
Depends on budget. I think we’ll sign 2 centre mids and a left back no matter what happens, a striker, another midfielder, another forward… they all depend on outgoings, especially Zirkzee with regards a striker.

Personally, I’d favour a signing like Mateta, Richarlison, Toney etc. An experienced player that’s not going to cost the earth in fee or wages, will happily accept being a squad player and be thrilled to be at United. That profile is far closer to the description of Sheringham arriving than signing a 38yo Lewandowski that’s won it all several times over is.
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I agree with an Prem proven rotation option although Toney certainly would cost the earth in wages!

I’d go for Mateta i think he’d rotate well with Sesko
 
dinostar77 said:
If he wasn't ex-liverpool would they be bizarre?
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Owen was bizarre.

Nunez is not injury prone, entering his prime, probably cheap and has great stats in the PL (both goals + assists and underlying). I understand that his history makes people dislike him. If he reached his potential, that would be an issue for them, not us.
 
dinostar77 said:
If he wasn't ex-liverpool would they be bizarre?

He's 27, got PL experience, got CL experience. Aggressive, good work rate, decent pace. Can be deployed as a left sided forward as well.

Not the best finisher, but has all the other attributes.

No actual links to him though.
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Maybe not but in reality he is and he failed there no matter what anyone says
 
Woziak said:
Darwin, Ramos or Toney are the options, all are a significant upgrade on Zirkzee.
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To add to those options:
Nicolas Jackson

Bayern won't exercise that high fee clause, he wants to leave Chelsea and with them probably not getting champions league, there is a deal to be made. I think between him and Darwin would make great options as the 2nd striker. Both have experience of the league, still youngish and experienced and won't demand to be the no 1 striker. Jackson does a lot of good work which is sometimes spoiled by his tempestuousness. He has a good strike rate, can play wide even; makes a lot of sense for the squad.
 
dinostar77 said:
Why would a player who wants to be the starter for his next club and is fed up of being on the bench, come to Utd. When Sesko is our main striker ?
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Why did Cole, Yorke, Sheringham and Ole all decide to be part of a squad that only played 2 centre Forwards?
 
Woziak said:
Why did Cole, Yorke, Sheringham and Ole all decide to be part of a squad that only played 2 centre Forwards?
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That over 20 years ago. How many top teams field two strikers nowadays in the starting XI
 
Yes we need one good enough to potentially start and is willing to compete. I don't think the bar is currently very high at United and we should be playing over 50 games next season after a world cup.

Not an immediate priority unless the perfect profile becomes available. Zirkzee is as good as gone.
 
JohnnyLaw said:
With Sesko out and CL secured I hope we take the chance to try Zirkzee properly. I always thought he’d do better with wide forwards like Cunha and Mbeumo around him but he’s never really got the chance.
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Jeez I would take Jiminez/Mateta/Toney over him every time and deludedly on the Lewandowski train
 
We don't have the budget to address the midfield situation and bring in a LB, which is a higher priority than a striker. Would I like to have it all? Of course, but we can only do what the budget allows us to do, and there is no getting around the need to bring in 3 midfielders and a left back.
 
lex talionis said:
We don't have the budget to address the midfield situation and bring in a LB, which is a higher priority than a striker. Would I like to have it all? Of course, but we can only do what the budget allows us to do, and there is no getting around the need to bring in 3 midfielders and a left back.
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That's why we need to look at free agents such as Vlahovic or Lewandowski (yes I know he's 38). Failing that seeing if PSG would consider some kind of loan with option to buy for Ramos but feels unlikely.
 
Feels like I’m in the minority but I think we need a starting centre forward, or at least a player to genuinely challenge Sesko, not just a back-up. I really like where Sesko is heading but he’s still a way off leading the line for us across an entire season.
 
northernsoul74 said:
Feels like I’m in the minority but I think we need a starting centre forward, or at least a player to genuinely challenge Sesko, not just a back-up. I really like where Sesko is heading but he’s still a way off leading the line for us across an entire season.
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We don’t have the budget for it though
 
Cathy Ferguson said:
Yes, or players with 1 year remaining on their contracts. Sesko is still work in progress so a striker that can give us 2 years service would be very smart business.
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My option definitely only has a year left, so maybe need to look at likes of Mateta/Jiminez/Shick
 
Vlahovic seems to be the standout free agent option?

His wages at Juve are huge though. He'd have to be convinced to take a pay cut at utd. Seems unlikely.

Otherwise Mateta would fit the bill nicely if they could stretch the budget to something sensible like 20-25 mil.
 
dinostar77 said:
That over 20 years ago. How many top teams field two strikers nowadays in the starting XI
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Maybe that’s point, football works in cycles and we were never a 442 side, more a 4411 side and Bruno or Cunha can easily operate as a second striker, so can Sesko, he did it in Germany for a whole season?

Yorke, Sheringham, Scholes all played in the 10/Second striker role that operated between the lines.

We need more goals up front, we might score 70 this season, to win a PL you need 80+ and let’s be clear here that’s why we haven’t won a PL for 13 years because only once under Ole did a united team score 74 goals!

Nearly every PL winner since then has scored 80+ goals, sometimes 90+ with Liverpool and City going at it.

This might be the first season where 70-75 goals scored wins the EPL in a long time and that is an indication of how negative the top teams have been so they don’t lose points to goals conceded.
 
lex talionis said:
We don't have the budget to address the midfield situation and bring in a LB, which is a higher priority than a striker. ....
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We actually do have the budget to sort out midfield plus left back to be fair. The priority positions. It's all these other 'likes " like CB, LW, Striker that can only b vmet after sales. Or bagging free agents.
 
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