Manchester United’s search for a new striker goes on and one potential bargain has shown why he must be considered.
This summer hasn’t gotten off to the quickest of starts for Manchester United with the long decision-making process over Erik ten Hag delaying things.
The delay in confirming the managerial situation won’t have done United any favours in their bid to strengthen a squad which finished eighth last season.
But now it’s resolved, United could get things very quickly sorted out, and one position which must be strengthened is the striker, with Rasmus Hojlund the only natural option.
With that being said there’s a potential bargain that United should go for, and he’s a player the club has come close to signing before too.
Alvaro Morata could be an excellent backup striker for Manchester United
This summer, United are looking for a new number nine who can support and share the burden with Hojlund and in this case, Ineos should look no further than Alvaro Morata, who has been a long-term target for the club.
Seven years after United tried to sign a then 24-year-old Morata from Real Madrid, he’s been all over Europe and is still a reliable number nine, potentially perfect for United.
Morata still has it, bagging 15 goals in La Liga for Atletico Madrid during the 2023/24 season in 32 appearances, with 13 the season before which shows that he’s a player who will consistently grab 10+ goals per season, so an absolute bargain.
Morata also ticks the Premier League proven box, as despite being widely considered a poor signing for Chelsea, he still managed 11 goals and six assists in his first season and five in 16 goals in his second. Not to mention he’s scored in Spain’s opening Euros fixture over Croatia.
Morata at 31, will likely be more than happy to share the workload with Hojlund and he’s also an excellent striker for our 21-year-old Dane to learn from.
How much will Morata cost United this summer?
For a player of Morata’s quality, he’s available for an absolute steal this summer with Fabrizio Romano claiming in May that he has a release clause worth in excess of €12m or £10.1m.
To guarantee goals, this fee would be a snip, and United should absolutely be considering it if some of the first-choice options fail to materialise.
His exit seems likely as he’s already commented on the fact he needs to be playing and wants to leave Atletico to get it, as he told El Larguero: “I see on the press that Atlético Madrid want to sign 8 strikers, I will be clear… it looks like I’m NOT the priority of the club”.
“I’ll turn 32 in October, I can’t stay at Atléti and not play, not being the priority…”
Hopefully, this is a move United consider as he could be perfect.