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Cody Gakpo might have addressed biggest Manchester United concern at World Cup

  /  autty

On paper, Cody Gakpo looks to be an impressive addition to any forward line in Europe's top five divisions. His form this season ahead of the World Cup has been extremely impressive. Yes, it is in the Eredivisie, however 13 goals and 17 assists before Christmas is worth noting whichever top league it is in.

It is no surprise, therefore, that Erik ten Hag identified Gakpo as a target in the summer. The Manchester United boss' mistake was perhaps not getting the deal over the line then.

PSV Eindhoven were reluctant to let their main man go just before the end of the transfer window which was understandable. Maybe they knew what was to come in the winter months.

At the World Cup so far, Gakpo has shown exactly what Ten Hag has seen in him. His power, speed and lethal finishing ability have all been on display in the Netherlands' opening fixtures in Qatar and United are currently favourites with the bookies to sign him in January - a move which should excite supporters.

Cristiano Ronaldo's departure from Manchester earlier this week has opened up the door for replacements. There was no doubt that the decision to part company with Ronaldo was the right one but it has undoubtedly left a hole, and Gakpo is the man being linked to fill it.

What will have concerned Reds fans before Friday was whether Gakpo would be a square peg in a round hole. The 23-year-old has enjoyed the most success playing on the wings for PSV and that is one area of the attack where United do not need any more cover.

But, against Ecuador, Gakpo was able to address this concern directly. Netherlands manager Louis van Gaal opted to play the youngster in a central position alongside Steven Bergwijn.

Van Gaal's 'experiment' worked well and Reds fans witnessed a performance which shows how much of an asset he could be for Ten Hag. Of course, one swallow does not make a summer but what it did show was that Gakpo has the flexibility to help United where needed and is young enough to still be moulded.

There may be some who would rather United sign a quintessential centre forward and those calls are valid. However, Gakpo is a prospect which United cannot afford to miss out on and if they do not snap him up in January they risk losing him to a domestic or European rival.