When the January transfer window opens in just a couple of days time, Ten Hag has one major priority to sort out: signing a centre-forward to replace Cristiano Ronaldo.
While the resurgent Marcus Rashford has been pretty prolific in front of goal this season, his preference is to play on the left, leaving Anthony Martial as the only real No.9 option in the squad.
United have been linked with many different names and had looked on course to sign long-time target Cody Gakpo, only for Liverpool to hijack the move for the PSV and Netherlands forward.
Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic has also been rumoured, but Parker instead believes that his Serbia teammate Mitrovic would be ‘a very good signing’ for the Red Devils.
‘When you have him on your team you can put the ball into the box at any time and he will most likely score a goal,’ the former right-back told BonusCodeBets.
‘He has improved discipline wise and he really knows how to get into defenders’ heads. I can really see him being an important player for Man United.
‘But it’s going to be expensive. Fulham loves him and they will not let him go for peanuts because he is so important for them. If he is not on the pitch they have 70% less chance of scoring.
‘For instance, if Fulham plays against Man United and he is on the pitch for Fulham, I don’t believe that Man United will win that game.’
Mitrovic has often been regarded as a player too good for the Championship but not good enough for the Premier League, having been promoted and relegated numerous times with Newcastle and Fulham.
But after scoring a record-breaking 43 goals for the Cottagers last year, the 28-year-old has carried over his sensational form into the top-flight with 10 goals in 13 games so far, a tally bettered only by Erling Haaland, Harry Kane and Ivan Toney.
But as Parker says, Fulham would be reluctant to sell their star player who cost £22million in 2018 and still has three-and-a-half years left on his contract.
Another name heavily linked with United, as well as Arsenal and Chelsea, is Felix who is available on loan having fallen out of favour with Atletico boss Diego Simeone.
But the loan terms set out by the La Liga giants are said to be putting United off making a move for the highly-rated 23-year-old and Parker is hopeful that Ten Hag snubs the Portugal star.
He added: ‘I can definitely understand why Man United would want Joao Felix and I think he is a great player. But I have a tough time seeing him fitting into Man Unite’s team.
‘He was great against Switzerland in the World Cup and in that game we saw the old Joao Felix. I would like him in the club, but I don’t see him as a centre forward and that is what Man United needs more than anything at the moment.’
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