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Manchester United have had great difficulty putting the ball in the back of the net this season, scoring just 22 goals in 20 games to finish with a goal difference of -5.
Just to put this into perspective, newly promoted Luton Town have overtaken Erik ten Hag’s side and it is there for all to see that the Dutchman needs help in attack.
New signing Rasmus Hojlund has been shy of scoring goals domestically, scoring just once in the Premier League and missing plenty of opportunities during his team’s FA Cup victory against Wigan Athletic on Monday.
Anthony Martial has not provided much support to the young Dane, and there is every chance that he will leave soon, with the manager not very happy with the United No. 9’s commitment to the cause.
United’s need to score goals
The former Ajax coach was always wary of putting too much pressure on the former Atalanta star’s shoulders and the club needs to bring in another natural goalscorer.
There have been links with many stars in the recent past, both young and old, and the latest to be linked with a summer move is AIK Solna teenage prodigy Jonah Kusi-Asare.
The forward became AIK’s youngest player when he debuted for the senior team at the age of 16 years, 1 month and 24 days during the Allsvenskan match against Varbergs in August.
He has since played three more times for the senior team and not only that, but the 16-year-old also scored a hat-trick on his debut for Sweden U17 in a 3-2 win over the Moldova U17 national team.
His performances have alerted European elites, with Bayern Munich currently leading the race, even having made an offer for his services according to HITC Football. United were also joined by Chelsea in the race.
“Manchester United and Chelsea are now considering moving on to rival Bayern Munich for the signing of Jonah Kusi-Asare, HITC Football understands.
“Sources tell HITC Football that both the Red Devils and Blues were very impressed by what they saw from the 6ft 5in young Swede, although Bayern Munich are currently in pole position.
Follow the race for Jonah Kusi-Asare
“AIK Solna are believed to be ready to sell the 16-year-old striker with his stock currently high.
“HITC Football also understands that Borussia Dortmund, Ajax, PSV Eindhoven and Atlético de Madrid have expressed interest in Kusi-Asare along with Manchester United, Chelsea and Bayern Munich.”
The young striker’s profile may not match Ten Hag’s immediate needs, but he is highly respected and someone who could prove invaluable in the years to come.
Losing such important talents has become commonplace in the recent past and United will have a tough job on their hands to fend off so many clubs in the race for Kusi-Asare.
But it is one the Red Devils should look to win as INEOS need to restore the club’s glory days in terms of youth recruitment.