Manchester United coach Ole Gunnar Solskjaer wants a new striker. He just hasn’t decided what type.
United tied Edinson Cavani down to a new contract towards the end of the 2020-21 campaign. It followed a remarkable turn of form where the Uruguay international scored nine in 10 matches.
Solskjaer was desperate to tie Cavani down for another 12 months, with his old deal set to expire next month. But despite landing his man for another year, the Norwegian is not done yet and is keen on bolstering the position further.
“It was very important because we have not seen close to his best yet. He came here in October and had not played football in seven months. It takes time to get in shape, even if he takes care of himself”. Said Solskjaer.
“He got some injuries and little things that bothered him, and it is only recently that we have begun to see some of the best of him.
“When he gets this experience and a run-up, he will be better than this year, despite the fact that he is getting older.”
But Solskjaer remains keen on adding further to his attack – the question is whether he goes all out for a new undisputed first choice, or a younger striker to develop.
With the likes of Harry Kane and Erling Haaland linked, Solskjaer added: “I am very happy that it has happened”.
“But that does not mean that we are not looking for someone who can challenge or learn from him [Cavani].”
Both Kane and Haaland are on Solskjaer’s dream wish list at Old Trafford, with both fulfilling exactly what he wants in his striker.
However, the two have been priced at £150million apiece and that is out of the club’s financial reach.
With a number of other targets in mind, including Haaland’s Borussia Dortmund teammate Jadon Sancho, signing a player for that much is just too much to ask.
Solskjaer has frequently mentioned the need to improve the squad and has made no secret of his desire to sign a striker. But whether that is as an understudy to Cavani or as a starter remains to be seen