Manchester United spent the final few months of the season playing for their fans and Antoine Griezmann.
Rumours were rife that the Frenchman would only consider a move to the Red Devils if they secured Champions League qualification, and they duly did, but due to circumstances beyond United’s control Griezmann is unlikely to sign for Jose Mourinho’s men this summer.
Manchester United fans are disappointed at the fact that Griezmann probably won’t turn out at Old Trafford next season, but with a fair few strikers still available in the transfer market, here are five strikers United could sign.
Andrea Belotti
The most sought-after player in the Serie A – Andrea Belotti is on every top club’s wishlist, including Manchester United’s.
The Red Devils have been linked with a move for Torino’s top marksman since the turn of the year, as his physicality and eye for goal has piqued Jose Mourinho’s interest.
He was instrumental in Torino’s top-ten finish in the Serie A scoring 26 goals and laying on seven assists for his teammates.
Belotti’s price tag is similar to Griezmann’s (£85m) but it remains to be seen if Manchester United will take a punt on him after just one season in the limelight.
Alvaro Morata
Having won La Liga and the Champions League, it’s fair to say Real Madrid had a superb season.
Naturally you’d expect a household name like Morata to be at the forefront of Los Blancos’ success, but instead, he spent most of the campaign being a bit-part player.
Despite making just 26 league appearances, though, 12 of which were from the bench, the Spaniard managed to bag 15 goals and register four assists, thus maintaining his reputation as a striker that delivers when called upon.
Manchester United need efficiency up front, and judging by his stats Morata could be a hit at Old Trafford next season should the Red Devils make a concrete offer for his services.
Romelu Lukaku
Lukaku has undoubtedly outgrown Everton. After leaving Chelsea permanently in Jose Mourinho’s second spell at the club, the 24-year-old went on to make a name for himself in the Premier League.
The Belgium international is now one of the most highly-rated players in the English top flight.
He’s been linked with a move to United for quite some time now, but Chelsea are also reportedly keen on signing him.
Lukaku bagged 25 league goals and led Everton to a 7th-place finish, but will United splash the cash on him?
Alexandre Lacazette
Alexandre Lacazette is on Liverpool, Arsenal and, you guessed it, Manchester United’s radar.
Lacazette enjoyed another productive season at Olympique Lyon, scoring 28 goals in 28 league starts. He’s now in high demand; hence he’s unlikely to remain in the Ligue 1 much longer.
United have the financial muscle to outbid any club for his signature, so should they deem it fit to pursue a deal for the Frenchman, they’d probably succeed.
Mauro Icardi
Icardi has been a bright spark in Inter Milan’s recent league campaigns which have been filled with heaps of disappointment.
Inter’s sporadic form saw them fail to qualify for a European competition as they ended the season in 7th-place with Icardi’s 24 goals and three assists giving the club’s fans something to smile about.
Icardi would be a good fit for United as he’s a striker capable of producing the goods on a consistent basis, even amid the mediocrity of his own teammates
