5 Strikers that can replace Romelu Lukaku at Manchester United

There’s no doubt that Manchester United have taken a huge turn since the appointment of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer as manager. The team looks inspired and highly motivated during games, and more importantly, the players are now free to express themselves on the field.

One player, however, who really needs to get more game time or seek a move elsewhere is Romelu Lukaku. The Belgian striker was one of the most trusted lieutenants of Jose Mourinho during his stint at the helm of Manchester United. But before his sacking as the boss, the manager had dropped Lukaku to the bench. This was brought about by the dip in form of the Belgian player.

Under Solskjaer, however, the striker is now showing signs that he may be getting back to the form that convinced Manchester United to buy him. But there’s a huge obstacle in front of him currently in the form of Marcus Rashford. The young Englishman has really come of age finally. He has managed to somehow secure the striker’s position for himself. That’s thanks to his magnificent form and the admirable work rate that he has been portraying.

If things are to continue in that rate, then Lukaku may soon want to find a new club. It is impossible to imagine a striker like Lukaku warming the bench and playing second fiddle to the young Rashford.

If the Belgian was to leave the club, the team will be left with only one senior striker, that’s highly unlikely for a club of Manchester United’s stature. The team may have already started looking at names of some of the best strikers in the world to replace Lukaku.

Here are some of the strikers that may be considered if United were to offload the Belgian striker.

Marcus Rashford

Rashford is playing at a high level for United

As you’d have guessed it by now, the striker that has been keeping Lukaku on the bench at Manchester United should definitely be considered first to take his role. Rashford has really been proving himself this season and even taking up the striker’s role.

With the young English man, the team is more fluid and can attack in a number of dimensions. He’s not your typical target man, hence making it very hard to defend against. He works the channels with ease and is also comfortable beating his man while on speed. Counter attacks are not slowed down when the ball gets to him as he always keeps it moving.

On the downside and despite the huge improvement that he has shown, he is still raw and his decision making is quite there yet. Though, with extended game time and hard work in training, he can improve that within no time.

Surely, Rashford is becoming United's main option for the striker position, however, if Lukaku leaves, there will be the need of bringing another forward to play a supporting role for Rashford from the bench.

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Joshua King

The Norwegian participated with United's youth teams

Former Manchester United graduate Joshua King has been a revelation at Bournemouth since he came in from Blackburn Rovers. The Norwegian has really been one their stars since joining the club. Though not as prolific, his numbers are amazing at 37 goals in 123 games for the Cherries.

He’s a true definition of a striker that can sacrifice a lot for his team. He works hard, beats his opponents with ease, creates opportunities and even chips in with wonder goals once in a while. King knows the United way of playing and will have it easier settling into the club, especially since his countryman is at the helm currently.

He can play as a wing forward, as a false ten as well as the main striker making him quite versatile enough to fit into the United team.

The ease at which he beats his opponents with will surely be a joy for the United faithful and they will also be glad to have one of their own back at the team.

Mauro Icardi

The Nerazzurri’s captain, Mauro Icardi, is one of the most prolific strikers in the world today. He has managed to score an incredible 120 goals in 204 appearances for Inter Milan. As captain, he is also a leader on the field as well as off it, and Manchester United has looked short of leaders, he may well be the leader they are looking for.

The Argentine is well acquainted with playing for a big club, the transition will not be hard for him to make. He has already shown time without number that he is capable of handling the pressure. He is also in the mould of star strikers that will strike fear into their opponents even before games begin.

United can do with a little fear factor in the ranks at the moments. They need someone that will make teams roll over and Icardi just be the right fit for them moving forward.

Paulo Dybala

Another star striker from Serie A that Manchester United should look at is Paulo Dybala. Strong, technically gifted, clinical and versatile, those are the young Argentine’s huge attributes. A player that is being looked at on the international level to replace Messi when he retires is worth considering.

Dybala has looked unsettled at Juventus since Juventus high-profile purchase of Cristiano Ronaldo. No longer is Dybala the point man of Juve’s attacks as that role has fallen to the Portuguese captain.

If there was a better time to lure Dybala out of Juventus that would be right now. He will come to United with star quality and a large number of fans would welcome him to the club.

At 25 years old, the Argentine is almost coming to his peak as a footballer and may give the teams his great years. He’s one of the players that certainly look like a future Ballon d'Or winner. United will surely be a better side with him as part of their roster.

Harry Kane

United has had a reputation of having some of the best English talents among their ranks over the years. Think of Wayne Rooney, Teddy Sheringham, David Beckham, Rio Ferdinand and others. The one player that would really want to have at the moment must be Harry Kane. The Tottenham striker is a true English powerhouse striker.

You may run out of superlatives when describing the English captain. He’s the reigning World Cup top-scorer and has been one of the most prolific goal scorers in the English Premier League for a number of seasons.

Fast on and off the ball, deadly with both feet, can spot a pass, hard to defend against an extremely clinical, that’s how best you can look at Kane’s game.

He can be the focal point of any attack in the world today and Man United would rather have him in their ranks other than against them. He would surely bolster their attack and have them playing with a strong focal point who can get goals and create chances for his teammates as well.

Edited by Victor R. Lopez M.