Andy Cole, Dwight Yorke, Ruud Van Nistelrooy, Edinson Cavani, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Wayne Rooney. Those are just a few of the strikers that occupied the number nine position at Manchester United over the years who possess a killer instinct and the ability to make something out of nothing.

Now with the lack thereof in Wout Weghorst and the injury-prone Anthony Martial, the proclaimed biggest club in England, Manchester United has a huge hole to fill in the summer when the stopgap does move. After a humiliating 7-0 loss to fierce rivals Liverpool, even though it seems the back line could use reinforcing, there was no presence up front so let’s see who United could sign to fill that spot for the future.

The “Super Eagles” striker is possibly the most sought-after attacker for the upcoming summer window. To date Victor Osimhen has scored 21 goals in 26 matches for Napoli, enjoying a fruitful campaign that sees the club from Naples top of the Italian Serie A, and into the quarterfinal of the UEFA Champions League. Osimhen is a true poacher, with a good aerial presence with a good finish off either foot.

He also has elite movement off the ball which helps to create chances for other teammates, with winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia benefiting the most. Napoli has rebuffed approaches for Osimhen, 24, and with him saying his dream is to play in the Premier League, a deal may be on the cards.

TRANSFER FEE: €130 million

England national team captain Harry Kane is an option that may be evaluated in the summer. Kane’s contract at Tottenham runs out in the summer of 2024, and with him looking to end his career trophy-less a move to the red side of Manchester is the most logical for his career. At 29 years old, the longevity might not be there like an Osimhen, but even for three years, it is an opportunity that United can explore.

This season he has contributed 19 goals in 34 appearances, and his style of play could be beneficial to United. Manchester United (65) have created fewer big chances than Bournemouth (77) who are at the foot of the table, a striker who can create chances for himself and others is key. Kane has created 41 chances in the Premier League this season, ranking him 1st amongst strikers this season.

TRANSFER FEE: €70 – 80 million

The Serbian goal machine has endured a torrid time with injuries recently, currently suffering from an abductor issue, but when fit he is lethal. After scoring 20 goals and adding 4 assists in 24 games, he made the big move to Turin for €70 million but it hasn’t worked out on the greater landscape.

Juventus are currently fighting for a champions league spot they might not get, and life in the Europa League could become the norm. Vlahovic, 23, is a physical striker, a target man type with enough pace to evade his defender and a deadly finish. Reports out of Italy are that Juventus are ready to cash in on the Serbian, and United is waiting in the wings.

TRANSFER FEE: €65 – 70 million

The heir apparent to Cristiano Ronaldo for Portugal, 21-year-old Gonçalo Ramos is making waves around Europe with Benfica. Scoring 7 goals in the UEFA Champions League including two against Club Brugge in the round of 16, he has a bright future ahead if he can maintain this form. “O Feiticeiro” (the wizard) is a versatile player who is quick, powerful, and someone who can play advanced or deeper. He is on the radar of many top clubs including Manchester United, but his release clause of €120 million could deter prospective buyers.

TRANSFER FEE: €120 million

The CONCACAF player on the list, Lille’s Jonathan David is possibly a wild-card option for Old Trafford in the summer. Only Kylian Mbappe (18) has scored more goals than David (16) this season. He was linked with a move to United in the summer of ‘21 with him being the most cost-effective option.

The Canadian player is a recognized number nine but plays as a false nine. He is not lightning-quick or technically gifted like the others, but he can score goals when it matters and at 23, he can only get better.

TRANSFER FEE: €50 million

Who would’ve thought that Brighton would be fighting for the top six, and who would’ve thought an 18-year-old Evan Ferguson would be a household name as a Premier League striker? The Irishman has put in some eye-catching performances with 6 goals in all competitions so far including against leaders Arsenal.

The 6ft. 2” striker is an all-round attacker with a sense of awareness that just needs the finish to make him world-class. He is nowhere close to being the “finished article” but he has many years ahead of him to develop and under Erik Ten Hag would be explosive.

TRANSFER FEE: €25 million

The final option is Brentford and England striker Ivan Toney. The best penalty taker in English football doesn’t only score from twelve yards, he can score from anywhere. He is enjoying his best-ever scoring season in the Premier League so far with 15 goals in 22 games.

The 26-year-old is a different profile of attacker as he does not possess a blistering pace, but his technique is far from average. His positioning and awareness make him an excellent poacher for finishing chances and making space for others. He is arguably Brentford’s best player and it would not be easy to pry him away.

TRANSFER FEE: €55 million

These are all good options to don the number nine shirt for Manchester United and a case can be made for each one. However, the decision is not one of the fans, the media, or the public, it is of the manager and whoever is chosen will be looking to become the world’s most renowned forward to lead the biggest club in the world; you can bet on it.

*the fees are not based on any transfer website, more so an opinion of how much it would take to complete the deal*