Five strikers for new Manchester United manager David Moyes to look out for if Wayne Rooney leaves the club this summer.
5. Robert Lewandowski (Borussia Dortmund)
The Polish striker has really caught the eye this season, with 23 goals in the Bundesliga and 10 in the Champions League to help guide Borussia Dortmund to a final showdown against rivals Bayern Munich. A stunning four-goal haul against Real Madrid in the semi-finals has truly shown his ability to perform on the biggest stage, and that he could surely cope with the pressure of pulling on the famous red shirt.
The 24-year-old was targeted by Sir Alex Ferguson last summer before he opted for Robin van Persie from Arsenal, but David Moyes is understood to be keen on Lewandowski to play alongside the Dutchman at Old Trafford next year. Chelsea have also been linked with the free-scoring Pole, but Bayern Munich are currently understood to be leading the race to his signature, much to the annoyance of Dortmund. Due to their reluctance to sell to their rivals, Moyes would be wise to push a deal through as he could even get him on the cheap.
4. Karim Benzema (Real Madrid)
The talented French striker has been linked with Manchester United before while he was a young player at Lyon, and has shown himself to be a world class finisher in his time at Real Madrid. However, the 25-year-old has had a slightly harder time at the Bernebeu this season, finding himself falling down the pecking order under Jose Mourinho. Benzema has reportedly been identified by Moyes as a target, and could find a new challenge a useful step in his career. Also able to play out wide, the France international would be a useful addition to a United squad that is in need of several changes both upfront and in the attacking midfield positions.
Benzema could certainly do a good job as a Rooney replacement, and also do a better job of providing assists from the flanks than the likes of Nani and Ashley Young have managed this season. Despite a poor year by his standards, he has 19 goals and 20 assists in all competitions – just imagine what he can do when he gets back to his best.
3. Radamel Falcao (Atletico Madrid)
The Colombian striker has had another excellent season with Atletico Madrid this year, scoring 30 goals in all competitions and catching the eye of Chelsea and Real Madrid. Although the player is said to be settled in Madrid, Manchester United are known to be interested, and would possibly land themselves one of the world’s deadliest finishers if they secured his signature. The former Porto man is destined for great things, and Old Trafford would certainly be a fitting stage for his talents. His goal-poaching abilities would probably move van Persie into a slightly deeper role, but this could be more beneficial than Rooney being moved around into unfamiliar positions. Big-spending French clubs Monaco and PSG are also interested, and the 27-year-old certainly won’t come cheap, as great a signing as he would be. Behind only Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo in La Liga’s scoring charts, and probably the biggest name alongside Malaga’s Isco to be leaving Spain this summer.
2. Gareth Bale (Tottenham)
Although not strictly a striker, Gareth Bale has operated in a more central role for Spurs in this outstanding season. The former left-back, who became a winger, who now operates in a free role behind the forwards, has scored 25 times this year, including many long range stunners and individual efforts. Wanted by Real Madrid and valued at around £65million, the Welshman has also been targeted by David Moyes and would be a fantastic big name signing to kick-start the former Everton manager’s career at Old Trafford.
The 23-year-old is looking more and more like becoming the exciting world class talent that Rooney should have been, and currently looks like a better option in terms of end product as well as getting fans off their seats for United. Sir Alex Ferguson admits he regrets missing out on signing Bale while he was a youngster at previous club Southampton, and the retiring boss would love to be able to watch this season’s Player of the Year from the stands in United’s new-look side next season.
1. Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid)
The Real Madrid super star left Manchester United in a record-breaking £80million deal in 2009, but after an incredible four years in Madrid, the 28-year-old is reportedly unsettled and keen on a return to Old Trafford, where he first emerged as a world class talent. Rumour has it, Real are willing to negotiate with United if they offer around £60million and players like Nani and Javier Hernandez in return. Ronaldo and Rooney struck up an excellent partnership when they were together at United, but Ronaldo would also be a fine replacement for Rooney if he moves on.
After 200 goals in his four seasons at the Bernebeu, the deadly Portuguese international would certainly be an improvement on Rooney in front of goal, and his ability to play out wide would keep up the supply of ammunition to van Persie that the likes of Young and Nani have been unable to do on a consistent basis. The move could also be more likely if Spurs star Bale chooses a move to Real over United. This re-signing of a Manchester United legend would make Moyes go down very well with the Old Trafford faithful immediately and boost their chances of retaining the Premier League title next season while rivals Manchester City and Chelsea are all likely to strengthen.