Manchester United have been hungry for a new striker since the days of Robin Van Persie and Wayne Rooney. In fact, that was the last time the Red Devils won the league and played to their fullest potential.
While Erik Ten Hag markedly improved United from last season, a few changes remain necessary. The most pressing remain in goal and in front of goal, where United could do well with an upgrade to better fit Erik Ten Hag’s principles of play.
Embed from Getty ImagesWhen it comes to the striker in that equation, the Red Devils must scan for someone that can compliment all the moving pieces around them. Marcus Rashford is an incredibly dynamic counter-attacking threat down the wing; Bruno Fernandes often wants to take matters into his own hands; and Jadon Sancho always looked best at Dortmund when having that focal point up top to connect and bounce alongside.
Embed from Getty ImagesTo find someone who can both link-play and bang in the goals is a difficult task, but it’s one that won’t be all that difficult if they turn to Randal Kolo Muani of Eintracht Frankfurt. Here is why United should sign the Frankfurt man, and why Kolo Muani is turning the heads of all the European elites.
POSITIONING & ROLE
Randal Kolo Muani plays best as a ‘Creative Link’, where he can get on the ball deeper on the field and connect with others. He’s helped the likes of Daichi Kamada and Jesper Lindstrøm to thrive in attack this season, particularly in playing as the surprise foil as others burst in behind. This is something that Harry Kane has done magnificently well for Spurs, and it’s no surprise that United are looking for a player of a similar mold if Kane remains out of reach.
Embed from Getty ImagesImpressively, the Frenchman scored 15 goals with 11 assists, ending the season as the league’s top goal contributor. Put him now in a United side that thrive on the break and players who love to run into space behind, and that incredible tally could only rise.
From a United perspective, the tricky thing has always been finding a striker who can give them something different. Maybe it’s a focal point up top, or maybe it’s someone who is just simply more of a natural number ‘9’ as opposed to Martial and Rashford, who often look best on the wing.
Embed from Getty ImagesInherently, this way of thinking has caused some issues, given that United have often looked best in recent years with either Martial or Rashford up top, focusing on explosions in attacking transitions. Kolo Muani provides the exact same type of profile. He can play on the wing, he can excel as a ‘number 9’, and he’s got running legs for days. But what’s different is that he provides all the added advantages of building attacks and creating chances in the final third to a heightened level.
If United can harness that superpower and find a way to make it work with the undeniable star in the side in Bruno Fernandes, this would be a great signing. It would also be a signing that causes little disruption to the way United achieved success in 2022-23. They were usually solid in counter-pressing moments in winning back possession quickly, and despite having Wout Weghorst as an occasional ‘Target’, they never intended on using the Dutchman’s strength in that manner.
Embed from Getty ImagesKolo Muani offers the same pressing and defensive attributes, whilst expanding upon Weghorst’s horizons in possession. Again, this would be a superb signing for the Red Devils, so long as they can get it done cheaply.
KOLO MUANI’S KEYS TO SUCCESS
Embed from Getty ImagesMuch of Muani’s creativity and attacking incisiveness has come with his back-to-goal this season, which is a great omen for that ability to link up with Bruno Fernandes. He’s not a terrifically exciting progressive or forward passer, instead generating more of his assists and chances through intelligent backward or sideways passes.
So while he’s right up there with the likes of Antoine Griezmann on assists per 90, his xA per 90 sees a slight drop-off.
What’s probably most impressive beyond his defensive work ethic and chance creation is his combative nature when it comes to making himself a nuisance on the field. He engages in a high number of attacking duels, he’s constantly looking to get on the ball and drive at the opposition, and he never stops running. These are mentalities and traits that Erik Ten Hag would evidently want to have in his striker, and likely traits that fit his playing style better than a striker who’s simply meant to hold his position.
Embed from Getty ImagesFor a possession-based side, the ‘number 9’ should be someone who’s capable playing with the ball at their feet, and advancing the play when required. That becomes even more imperative for possession-based sides that generate a high number of their chances on the break. To have a player like Kolo Muani on 3.09 progressive carries per 90 (top 7% of strikers) and 2.2 successful dribbles (top 5%) across the last calendar year is a supremely great asset to have throughout all attacking phases.
Embed from Getty ImagesIf it costs around the range of €65 million as Transfermarkt report, it’s quite expensive. But at 24 years of age, Kolo Muani would be an asset for years to come, and still cheaper than what they paid for Anthony Martial all those years ago. So if I’m in the scouting aisle ready to check-out, I’m buying Randal Kolo Muani.
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