As Manchester United’s search for a striker intensifies, a number of names are expected to be linked with a move to Old Trafford following the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo.
One of the names in the hat for a move to Manchester is Spanish striker Álvaro Morata.
Morata currently leads the line for Diego Simeone’s Atlético Madrid, scoring five goals in 14 games this season and leaving another United target, Joao Félix, out of the starting lineup.
He is also just coming off a strong individual performance at the World Cup despite Spain’s early exit, scoring three goals in his four Qatar appearances.
These statistics back up an impressive international record for Morata, who has scored 30 goals in his 61 appearances for his national team.
It’s not the first time United have been linked to the player, as José Mourinho reportedly came close to signing him before opting for Romelu Lukaku in the summer of 2017.
Morata joined Chelsea that summer and scored 24 times during his two-season stay with The Blues, including a resounding header at Stamford Bridge against United.
Things didn’t go quite right for Morata at Chelsea, who have had a rather poor record of signing centre-forwards in recent years.
Despite not being the most glamorous option for United, Morata has a pedigree, having played for Real Madrid, Juventus and Atlético, as well as the London club.
Also, at 30 years old and with a contract that expires in 2024, Morata represents a cheaper option for United’s board, which could play a huge role in their thinking with other areas of the pitch that need reinforcements.
The path seems clear for United to make their move, if they so choose, with no other clubs apparently in the running for their signature as things stand.
However, Fabrizio Romano recently poured cold water on a possible move to Old Trafford, saying he expects Morata to finish the season with Atleti.
“I think he has a good chance of staying at Atleti until the end of the season, but we’ll see if that changes in the coming weeks,” he said.
Although it seems an unlikely move at the moment, things could change if United make their interest known, with Morata possibly sensing he has unfinished business in the Premier League.
