Sir Alex Ferguson has stressed the need to bring in a new strike partner for Wayne Rooney this summer, after they fell short of the domestic league and European honours this season.
The United boss has identified that in order for the club to regain premiership dominance, Fergie will need to bolster up his attacking department before the season commences in August.
Although Rooney has been in incredible form for United this season, the ineffectual performances of Dimitar Berbatov has left Fergie feeling perplexed, and now contemplating a move for a formidable striker to partner the England international.
Since the departures Cristiano Ronaldo and Carlos Tevez last summer, United have undoubtedly been over-reliant on Rooney’s capabilities. Last year this wouldn’t have been the case, if Rooney missed a game or two due to injury, United still had Berbatov, Ronaldo and Tevez, to rely on. United now have limited resources up front, which is a cause of concern for Fergie and a majority of the United faithful.
Rooney was the clubs top goal scorer this season with 34 goals, and his goals proved valuable as to where the club finished in the league this season. Berbatov was United’s second highest scorer with just the 12 goals to his name. Fergie is adamant that without Wayne Rooney’s contribution this season, United would have struggled to qualify for the champions league.
The facts speak for themselves, and Fergie must now seek out a top striker this summer, but who could he look to bring in? Here are 3 reasonable targets for the Scotsman to consider during the summer window:
Karim Benzema
United approached the 22-year-old last summer whilst he was at Lyon, but the forward opted for a move to Real Madrid instead. Since his move, Benzema has not been able to hold down a regular place at the Bernabeu. The striker managed to make a total of 31 appearances (17 of which he started) and bagged just the 9 goals along the way. He was recently dropped from The French team, and will almost certainly not be travelling to South Africa this summer, due to the lack of appearances for his club this season.
Despite all this, the Frenchman insists he is happy and willing to prove his worth to the team. However, if Fergie was to table an offer of huge proportions then Real may be tempted to sell the player. Benzema has the quality, but hasn’t been given the chance to show it this year.
The striker claims he is happy but deep down he will want to be playing football, and he isn’t doing this in Spain. United could entice the Frenchman to Old Trafford if they wish to do so, a bid in the region of £20-25 million may be enough to do this.
Benzema is an ideal strike partner for Rooney, and Fergie should definitely consider a second venture for the French striker this summer.
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Luis Fabiano
The Sevilla striker is currently considering his future, as his club failed to seal a champion’s league spot this season. The Brazilian has hinted in the past that he would like to play in England at some stage of his career, and Fergie is sure to be keeping an eye on his recent unhappiness in Spain.
The Brazilian striker managed to appear 34 times in all competitions for Sevilla this season, whilst netting 19 goals along the way for the Spanish club. Fabiano has one year left remaining on his current contract, but due to the club finishing in a Europa league spot, the striker is adamant he will be looking for a new club this summer. Sevilla will allow the player to leave, and it has been reported that the La Liga side will want around £17 million for his services.
Although the forward is 29 years of age, he has proven to be a clinical finisher in recent years. The price tag maybe a little off putting, but with departures expected at Old Trafford this summer, Fergie could easily recoup his money if he decides to attain the Brazilians services this summer.
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Luis Suarez
The 23-year-old is Europe’s hottest property after having an absolutely sensational season with Dutch side Ajax. The Uruguayan appeared 33 times in the Eredivisie and racked up an amazing 35 goals. A host of clubs have been linked with the striker and Manchester United is understood to be one of them.
The South American has recently penned a new three-year deal in January with Ajax, and has said he is happy at the club. However, with the season he has had, Ajax have to expect a barrage of offers coming in for the striker this summer.
Manchester United could be an ideal place for the Uruguayan to learn his trade alongside Wayne Rooney. Without a doubt this would be United’s perfect signing this summer, but whether Fergie can obtain Suarez this summer is debatable. United wont only be in the mix for his signature, but they certainly have a great chance to land the striker. Fergie will have funds available in the window, and if his main priority is to sign a prolific striker then they don’t come any better than Luis Suarez.
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