Manchester United have spent approximately £110 million in the last two summer transfer windows to strengthen their attack with the signings of Rasmus Højlund and Joshua Zirkzee. However, both players have struggled to meet expectations. Højlund has demonstrated potential at times but remains inconsistent in the Premier League, while Zirkzee has found it difficult to adapt to the demands of English football.
This lack of effective attacking options has contributed to United’s challenges in scoring goals this season. According to TEAMtalk, manager Ruben Amorim is keen on reinforcing the No. 9 position and is eyeing Paris Saint-Germain striker Randal Kolo Muani.
Kolo Muani: United’s January Target
The French forward has fallen out of favor at PSG, and the club is open to selling him in January. However, securing Kolo Muani’s signature will be difficult, as other Premier League clubs, including Arsenal, Chelsea, and Tottenham Hotspur, are also interested.
Currently earning £203,000 per week, Kolo Muani has had limited playing time this season, starting only two matches and being excluded from PSG’s last two matchday squads. Despite this, the 26-year-old impressed last season, contributing six goals and five assists in 13 Ligue 1 starts. His versatility as both a center-forward and winger, along with his pace and creativity, makes him an appealing option.
Challenges with Kolo Muani
While Kolo Muani could provide depth and versatility to United’s attack, his lack of regular playing time and recent struggles pose several concerns:
- Form and Fitness: His infrequent appearances for PSG could hinder his ability to quickly adjust to the Premier League.
- High Competition: With several top Premier League clubs also vying for his signature, his transfer fee and wage demands may rise, making him a costly gamble.
- Fit for United’s Needs: United need a reliable, proven goal-scorer to address their current problems, and Kolo Muani might not provide the necessary consistency right away.
United’s Current Striking Dilemma
- Rasmus Højlund: The £72m signing has shown glimpses of brilliance but still requires time to develop into a consistent threat.
- Joshua Zirkzee: The £36.5m acquisition has scored just three goals in 18 league appearances, highlighting his struggles to adjust to English football.
What’s Next for United?
Amorim must carefully consider whether Kolo Muani is the right choice for the team. While his versatility and potential are promising, United may benefit from targeting a more established goal-scorer with a proven track record in the Premier League or another top league. Alternatives like Victor Osimhen or other proven forwards might better meet the club’s urgent needs.
Conclusion
Kolo Muani offers potential but comes with risks. Given the pressure on United to achieve immediate results, the club must prioritize a forward who can make an instant impact. Kolo Muani could be a valuable addition, but only if United can ensure he fits seamlessly into Amorim’s system and delivers consistent performances from the outset.
