5 strikers who could replace Romelu Lukaku at Manchester United

Romelu Lukaku is in shocking form for Manchester United this season. The striker is falling further and further behind his Premier League pack. He is suffering from an eight-game goal drought with his club, despite impressing on the international stage this season.

There are many reasons why this could be the case, but one thing's for sure, the Belgian needs to be doing better.

Manchester United have needed him the most in the past week. They took on Lukaku's former club Chelsea, and Juventus in the space of just days, but he was virtually invisible in both of those games.

When you're playing for a club as big as United, the scrutiny means you have to perform consistently. Lukaku hasn't been doing that, in fact, he's not been performing at all. That said, United may look to invest in another attacking option this January. Here are five they should be considering.

---

#1 Mauro Icardi - Inter Milan

Icardi is an out-and-out striker, finishing all types of chances

Icardi is consistently linked with a move to the Premier League. Before Arsenal secured their two strikers, he was linked with them, but now Maurizio Sarri of Chelsea is reported to be interested in him.

And it's not difficult to see why. If you don't count Cristiano Ronaldo as a striker, then Icardi is probably the best striker in Serie A currently. He has scored 4 goals and has provided 2 assists in the Italian league, but most notably he scored the deciding goal in the Derby della Madonnina with AC Milan.

This shows that he is a big-game player. Well, he's a lot more reliable than Lukaku is anyway. If United are to be taken seriously, then they need to be doing well against the Premier League top six, and the European powerhouses. They can't keep rolling over, and their attacking options can't keep shying away.

Icardi is an out-and-out striker, finishing all types of chances. Where Lukaku is limited, Icardi will bag goals from all types of situations.

Icardi will be hard to sign, but he's shown interest in moving abroad several times before. While a move to London is a lot more attractive than a move to Manchester, Mourinho has never been one to shy away from competition with Chelsea.

#2 Harry Kane - Tottenham Hotspur

Harry Kane is consistently up there with the top Premier League scorers

Harry Kane doesn't need much introduction. If you're a fan of the Premier League, then you're probably well aware of the Englishman.

He is by far the best player Tottenham has available. In an era of excitement and promise, it's Harry Kane who deserves all the plaudits. He makes Tottenham the widely recognised club they are.

Kane is a proven goal scorer, that's for sure. Although he was beaten to the top last season by Mohamed Salah, he is by far the most deadly attacker in the league. You will often see him on the scoresheet, and importantly for United, against the big sides is no different.

One thing which works in Lukaku's favour is his involvement in link-up play, but guess what? Harry Kane is better at that too. If you watch Spurs play, you will often see Kane drop deeper than expected to contribute to linking the play between midfield and attack.

Obviously, this is a wildcard. It would be extremely difficult for Manchester United to sign Harry Kane, especially given his recent contract situation. This is more likely to be a dream, but United have the resources should they become desperate.

#3 Edinson Cavani - Paris Saint-Germain

Edinson Cavani appears to be an unhappy figure in the French capital

Edinson Cavani is in bad form by his standards, but that only involves not being able to score in his last three matches. That just goes to show his quality, given the expectation the world has of him.

Paris Saint-Germain will be more inclined to sell than perhaps any other club on this list. There have been consistent rumours floating around that Cavani is beginning to fall out with his attacking teammates. Besides, when you have Kylian Mbappe and Neymar, do you really need anybody else?

Edinson Cavani's movement is phenomenal. For too long, he had the movement, but not the finishing, however now he is the full package. Should Paul Pogba stay at the club, then his creativity will serve Cavani well, if the Uruguayan is to make the runs behind the Premier League defenders.

#4 Lorenzo Insigne - Napoli

Lorenzo Insigne is in the prime stages of his career

The thing which strikes anyone most about Lorenzo Insigne is his sheer versatility. Once you think you have his best position on lock, he only goes and surprises you by shining in yet another position.

He does have the ability to perform well as a striker, playing there for Napoli this season. He would add a new dynamic to this United side, playing a role similar to Roberto Firmino's at Liverpool. He would drop deeper than usual and link play from midfield to attack, with his through balls getting the best out of Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford.

The Italian has scored 8 goals and provided an assist for Napoli this season, including a couple of goals in the Champions League. That's not a bad statistic for somebody who is yet to find his best position!

#5 Playing Marcus Rashford as a striker

Marcus Rashford has massive potential waiting to be unearthed

Sometimes the answer is closer than you think. Perhaps the best option for Jose Mourinho would be to alter his playing style, even if it means dropping Romelu Lukaku to the bench.

There is a wealth of attacking options in this Manchester United side. Should Marcus Rashford give up his spot on the wing, then the likes of Jesse Lingard, Juan Mata, or Alexis Sanchez (temporarily) could benefit from playing there.

Marcus Rashford has saved United many times during his short tenure with the senior team. His pace on the ball will give United the option to play through balls for him to chase, something which has been of benefit on the flanks. Paul Pogba is able to produce these deciding balls, as well as Juan Mata.

Should Jose Mourinho rely on Marcus Rashford to play the striker role, rather than searching elsewhere, then Rashford will be full of confidence.