Manchester United have been recommended former Liverpool striker Dominic Solanke to help solve their glaring goalscoring issue.
The Red Devils' seven forwards have netted just four Premier League goals between them this season, with Marcus Rashford being the only member of Erik ten Hag's attack to score twice. They blanked again on Saturday in a humbling 3-0 defeat at home to Bournemouth, during which Solanke, 26, terrorised Ten Hag's back line and chipped in with his eighth league goal of the campaign.
The ex-Liverpool prospect only scored once in 27 appearances for United's arch enemies following his £3million transfer from Chelsea in 2017. Solanke has now found his feet on the south coast after a difficult first couple of seasons and impressed so much this term that former United midfielder Owen Hargreaves has suggested the Red Devils should make a bid in January.
"I would take him at Manchester United, all day." Hargreaves told Premier League Productions. "At Chelsea, he was the prized academy player. He went to Liverpool with that brilliant front three. That generational front three. He was never going to break into that.
"But I think he would have learnt and been mentored from [Roberto] Firmino, [Sadio] Mane and [Mohamed] Salah. We saw it with Wilf [Zaha] when he went to Manchester United. He wasn't ready. He was too young.
"I think now Solanke, he will get another big move. Whether it's Man United or not. But to get a kid that big and technically that good, who is smart enough, can run the channels and press. He will get another chance at the top, I am certain."
The chance of Solanke making a move to Old Trafford would be boosted by prospective owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe's plans to give the Red Devils a new-look British core. A recent report from the Mail claimed that British billionaire Ratcliffe, who's set to complete a £1.3billion deal to purchase a 25 per cent stake in the club, wants to prioritise homegrown signings after United's decade-long focus on the foreign market.
Brentford striker Ivan Toney, Arsenal hotshot Eddie Nketiah and Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi have all been linked with joining the Red Devils. Crucially, Solanke has form on his side and spoke highly of United after helping compound their crisis with in-form Bournemouth on Saturday.
"Magnificent,' the 26-year-old remarked. "To win away at Old Trafford is touching for everyone really. One of the best stadiums in the world and one of the best clubs in the world so to come and win the boys are delighted."
Join our new WhatsApp community! Click this link to receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice .