In a season which has seen us score the least amount of goals for as long as one can remember, Manchester United needs to step it on in their search for a goalscoring forward. Van Gaal’s side are so possessed by the idea of possession that they rarely shoot from outside the box or even inside it, and as such rarely try to force the opposition defence. This reluctance to shoot or take chances has cost as all season, be it the final Champions League group game versus Wolfsburg last December or the critical match away to West Ham a night back. The players needs to be more progressive on their thinking and attacking in their style, and here are 3 sharp shooters the club should look to sign in the summer:
1. Zlatan Ibhrahimovic
The 34 year old is currently in the form of his life, having scored more than 30 goals in this season already and he is not showing any signs of slowing down. The PSG man has already confirmed that he won’t stay at the club next season, and this has piqued the interest of a lot of European and Chinese outfits. The Swedish striker not only brings a buckload of goals and elite level experience, but he is also quite the character on and off the pitch. His long rangers and half volleys are a sight to behold, and his 50 yard scissor kick against England in 2012 even won him the Fifa Puskas Award. He should be on top of the Woodward’s shopping list, even if he will provide a short term solution.
2. Neymar Junior
“Manchester United is the side that offered €190m (£144m) for Neymar. He has still two years left on his contract, but you all can be calm as my son is so happy here.”
This is what Neymar’s dad and agent had to say when he was asked about a possible move away from Barcelona in the summer, and it confirms that we are certainly very interested in signing the classy Brasilian. Although he hasn’t been as effective this season as he was in the last one, yet the wide forward has racked up 34 goals this season already. There is no doubt about his quality or ability, and if we do land him, we are in for some real Samba magic.
3. Alexis Sanchez
Sanchez was Arsenal’s lifeline last season, but inconsistency and a long term knee problem have affected his form in this campaign. However, the Chilean has a reputation for dragging defenders and shooting from range to score beautiful goals, and although it is unlikely that the Gunners will let him go, yet there is always a “maybe” in football.
