Manchester United’s need to sign a proven goalscorer is quite evident, especially after what happened with Cristiano Ronaldo in recent days.
The initial plan for the Red Devils was to wait until next summer before drafting a forward because the January window is notoriously difficult to trade.
However, with the termination of Ronaldo’s contract by mutual consent, the need to hire in the winter will take precedence over any other plans already established by the club.
Felix impresses
A slew of names have been linked with a move to the Old Trafford squad and the club is expected to keep a close eye on the stars taking part in the World Cup.
One player who impressed on Thursday was Portugal star Joao Felix, as he scored with a cool and calm finish to the second half as Portugal held on for a nervous 3-2 win against Ghana.
Joao Félix’s match in numbers vs. Ghana:
100% long balls completed 44 touches 23 passes completed 4 outfield duels won 1 goal
Frosted finish. ???? pic.twitter.com/fiAfFNPMLu
— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) November 24, 2022
Félix’s struggles this season at Atlético Madrid have been well documented and reports abound of the breakdown of the relationship between the striker and manager Diego Simeone.
The 23-year-old has started just eight times in 21 games this campaign and has scored just four times so far with the Madrid club open to letting him leave in January.
Against Ghana, Felix was a much brighter spark than Ronaldo, who also scored from a controversial penalty decision. And the end of it was a thing of beauty.
United & Felix could help each other
The Portugal international received a through ball from United star Bruno Fernandes well-timed, deftly dispatching the running goalkeeper with much work still to be done.
Felix had a total of 44 touches on the ball and finished his game with a 100% long pass completion rate.
He didn’t shy away from his defensive duties either, winning four rushing games and having one punt and one tackle.
The former Benfica star finished the match with 23 completions and a 77% pass completion rate.
His ice-cold finish highlighted his quality in front of goal and his young age means he still has a long way to go. His potential is there for all to see and moving away from the La Liga giants could do him a lot of good.
Erik ten Hag needs a forward and Felix could be the option he needs. For the sake of him and his potential suitors, he needs to continue in the same vein.
