Manchester United are looking at temporary deals to solve the striker problem

In what came as a surprise news last night, Cody Gakpo who was heavily linked with Manchester United since the summer transfer window was snapped up by rivals Liverpool in a quick-fire deal, the rumours of which started and ended in less than 24 hours.

In all honesty, it was pretty efficient work done by our rivals who were quick enough to snap up a deal when United were still mingling on whether to go for the player or not.

The departure of Cristiano Ronaldo has left a gaping hole in the forward department with only Anthony Martial as the main forward. Although Martial can be devastating on his day, his recent record with injuries has left us all to wonder whether he is the right person to lead the attack for the club.

With primary target Gakpo off to Liverpool, it is back to the drawing board for Erik ten Hag and staff, who is keen to add a forward to bolster his chance of finishing in the top four, with United currently in the fifth position in the league.

Now, The Guardian have made claims that the struggle to find a replacement for Ronaldo will continue as the club is only to make temporary deals rather than a permanent deal, mainly due to the discussions regarding the change of ownership that are circling around.

It presents a new problem for Ten Hag as not many players of the quality needed to lead the line at United would be available for a temporary deal, hence curbing our options.

Atletico Madrid’s Joao Felix is rumoured to be one such target who is looking for a shift of scenery and a loan deal with a permanent obligation to buy is something that is being speculated.

Rejuvenated Arsenal are also in the mix for the player with an aim to replace the injured Gabriel Jesus in their bid for a title race and hence convincing Felix and his parent club would definitely not be an easy deal.

Suddenly, the bad memories of last year’s January transfer window where interim manager Ralf Rangnick had openly demanded the need for a striker are coming back.

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United’s board did not support the manager the last time, which potentially played its part in us missing out on the top four. The board would be wise to look for permanent solutions as soon as it is possible.

If any positive is to be sought from signing a striker on loan mid-season, it is that it could give us more time to assess options before committing our funds towards a player. Moreover, if we do sign someone temporarily, fans would hope it is a big name and the contract has an option to buy at the end of it.