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Manchester United have struggled to score goals so far in the new Premier League season, a problem that has carried on from the last campaign.
The Red Devils netted only five more goals than relegated Luton Town and it will be important that the team get their act together with Liverpool riding into town next weekend.
United have missed quite a few chances in their three games thus far, with Erik ten Hag forced to play without a recognised forward due to the injury suffered by Rasmus Hojlund in pre-season.
Last season, the manager was forced to rely heavily on the Dane, which affected his form and the former Ajax coach will be wary of repeating the same mistake with new signing Joshua Zirkzee.
Striker shortage
That is why there have been murmurs that INEOS could still be planning some last-minute additions up front due to the lack of out-and-out strikers in the squad.
The Netherlands international has described himself as a mix of a No 9 and an attacking midfielder and that was on display during the Fulham winner.
Hojlund also is not a poacher and that profile is currently missing and hence the links with Ivan Toney of Brentford and Dominic Calvert-Lewin of Everton.
The Bees striker is expected to be headed towards Saudi Arabia but links with Chelsea persist but United are unlikely to pay his humongous wages while also paying an exorbitant transfer fee.
Everton contract rebel
The Everton star, on the other hand, is refusing to sign a new deal with his club and with his contract up in 2025, he could be a much more affordable option heading into the final days of the summer transfer window.
Football Insider have claimed both Newcastle United and the 20-time English league champions are eyeing a late swoop for the England international, who is free to negotiate a pre-contract agreement from January.
“Newcastle United and Man United are among the clubs considering a late swoop for Everton contract rebel Dominic Calvert-Lewin, sources have told Football Insider.
“The Toffees have seen multiple contract renewal offers rejected by their 27-year-old talisman. His current deal is set to expire in less than 12 months and he can pen a pre-contract agreement in January, meaning this month could be the last chance to bank a fee for the striker.
“Sources say the Merseysiders will now be forced to reevaluate their demands with Calvert-Lewin rejecting contract offers and with financial uncertainty still lingering.”
Calvert-Lewin late move
Interestingly, the Magpies failed to cough up the £40 million being asked by the Merseyside club but that price is expected to go down drastically.
The 27-year-old forward, who had scored eight times in 38 games across all competitions last season, has a current market value of €22 million as per Transfermarkt.
Calvert-Lewin would certainly provide a different outlet up front but whether United have that kind of money after splurging on five players including Manuel Ugarte remains to be seen.
Also Everton have proven very stubborn to deal with as seen during negotiations for Jarrad Branthwaite and they are unlikely to entertain United at this stage of the window and thus, Newcastle seem to have a better shot at the striker.
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2024-08-27 23:00:20
