Man United are one of two clubs to have made a bid for a striker who can solve Erik ten Hag’s problems, and according to reports, the Red Devils are ‘likely’ to win the race.

This month’s market focus at Old Trafford is on replacing Cristiano Ronaldo. Ten Hag can rely on Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford to lead the line, though either could be out for the season if injured.

Injuries will be common in the second half of the season as well, with the fixture list being more crowded than ever due to the mid-season World Cup. With the race for the top four looking fierce, it’s not just Manchester United scouring the market this month.

Joao Felix appeared to be a good option for United after Cody Gakpo was signed by Liverpool. Atletico Madrid are willing to loan the Portugal international out for six months, which would bind United until the summer, when they are expected to sign Ronaldo’s true replacement.

According to Sky Sports, Atletico Madrid’s high demands have caused United to back down. Instead, Arsenal’s door is now open, and the Telegraph reports that they are’stepping up’ their pursuit.

Mohammed Kudus of Ajax is another intriguing option for Ten Hag. However, the versatile frontman can only be signed on a permanent basis in January, and if United’s owners won’t pay for Gakpo, it stands to reason they won’t pay for Kudus either.

TEAMtalk has been informed that Al Nassr’s Vincent Aboubakar is a genuine option. A short-term loan would be very similar to the 2021 deal that brought Odion Ighalo to Manchester.

According to the Mirror, Al Nassr, the club that recently signed Ronaldo, is currently unable to register the Portuguese legend.

The Saudi team is already at capacity for foreign players and thus requires an exit to make room.

Ronaldo move tees up Man Utd signing

Given that he plays in Ronaldo’s position, Aboubakar is the obvious choice. OKAZ, a Saudi news outlet, is now heavily promoting a move to Old Trafford.

To begin, they claim Al Nassr has ‘agreed’ with Aboubakar to loan him out this month. In other words, he has been selected to make way for Ronaldo.

Manchester United and Turkish club Fenerbahce are said to have made bids.

It is then stated that Aboubakar is “likely” to “leave for the English club,” who has reportedly made the more enticing offer. According to them, United will win the race because of the “strength of the show” and the club’s desire to attract him.

The Saudi outlet appears to be convinced that the six-month loan will be approved, and their claims have been picked up by the Mirror.

What sort of player would Man Utd be landing?

During his time with FC Porto (2014-20) and Besiktas (2016/17 – on loan) and 2020/21, the Cameroonian striker averaged about a goal every other game in tougher leagues.

Aboubakar signed a three-year contract with Al Nassr in the summer of 2021. However, after 18 months, Ronaldo’s arrival has forced him out.

Aboubakar appears to be a simple case of United adding depth. Even if Ten Hag’s forward line is cleared, it’s unlikely he’ll ever be chosen over Rashford and Martial in the most important games.

That’s not to sɑy his presence would be insignificant.

Ten Hag will rotate between the League Cup, FA Cup, and Europa League for the Red Devils, who compete in four competitions.

It’s also worth noting that Ighalo’s loan arrival in 2021 was met with skepticism at the time, despite the fɑct that he scored five crucial goals in cup competitions and impressed enough to earn a permanent move at the end of the season.

If the Saudi reports are correct and Aboubakar is on his way to Manchester, he will hope to have the same impact as Ighalo.