The Red Devils are looking to sign a new forward after the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo, with the club’s topscorer from last season mutually agreeing to terminate his contract following an explosive interview with Piers Morgan.
Ronaldo’s exit leaves manager Erik ten Hag with only two senior forward options at his disposal capable of playing through the middle and leading the line: Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford.
But with United still competing on multiple fronts, Ten Hag knows that will not be enough firepower and has asked the club’s hierarchy to bring in reinforcements in January.
PSV Eindhoven’s Cody Gakpo – who can play on the left wing or through the middle, as he does for the Netherlands – is top of their wishlist, though they could also explore other options.
According to The Athletic, veteran forward Choupo-Moting – who was briefly linked with a move to Old Trafford in the summer – remains a target for United and they could look to exploit his contract situation.
The 33-year-old’s current deal expires at the end of the season, meaning United can open negotiations over a pre-contract agreement from the start of January.
But Bayern might be open to cashing in on the Cameroon international if it becomes clear that he will not extend his stay at the Allianz Arena, presenting United with the opportunity to secure a cut-price deal now.
Choupo-Moting is a more traditional, out-and-out number nine than any of the options currently at Ten Hag’s disposal and he has enjoyed something of a renaissance at Bayern.
The German giants are keen to extend the forward’s deal after he netted six goals and lad on two assists in just 10 Bundesliga outings – averaging a key contribution every 65 minutes.
Choupo-Moting also netted three times in the Champions League in the first part of the season and shares many similarities and qualities to another old United target, Marko Arnautovic – with both players even playing for Stoke City.
United may wait until the summer to bring in the veteran striker on a free transfer, with a January swoop for Gakpo still looking like the most likely scenario.
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