“We have to build a new future and we need a striker who not only scores goals but contributes by linking up play very well and pressing, which is very important.” Erik ten Hag gave a very clear picture of his ideal No.9 when discussing Manchester United's summer transfer plans in an interview with Sky Sports in April.
Wout Weghorst has given his all in that role since joining the club on loan from Burnley, but doesn't provide enough of a goal threat. The Dutchman might want a permanent contract, but he simply has not done enough to earn one.
The injury-ravaged Anthony Martial is the only other natural centre-forward in United's ranks, and has proven once again this season that he cannot be relied upon. Like Weghorst, there is a high chance he won't be playing at Old Trafford next season.
Marcus Rashford has, therefore, shouldered the main scoring burden for United this season, and he's certainly stepped up with 29 goals across 51 games. But he's at his best when cutting in from the left-wing, and United have no one to turn to when he is absent.
Napoli's Victor Osimhen and Tottenham talisman Harry Kane are both reportedly on United's list for the summer as Ten Hag strives to address the biggest weakness in his squad. However, Osimhen is said to be favouring a move to Bayern Munich, and Spurs are unlikely to accept less than £100 million ($126m) for Kane - despite the fact he is now 30 years of age and entering the final year of his contract.
If United are going to pay that much for a new striker, they need to have the prime years of their career still ahead of them. That is certainly the case for Eintracht Frankfurt's Randal Kolo Muani.
According to BILD, the Red Devils are preparing to launch a £106m ($133m) bid for the Frenchman, which could be enough to convince Eintracht to let him go. United have seen something special in Kolo Muani, and it looks like they're ready to go all out to bring him to the Premier League.
But how did he get to this point where clubs of United's stature are willing to spend so much on him?