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Manchester United are ‘counting on’ Benfica striker Darwin Nunez to lead their attack next season, according to reports.
The Uruguay international has been linked with a number of clubs, including Arsenal and Newcastle, after an oustanding campaign which has seen him score 34 goals across all competitions.
Edinson Cavani is set to leave United at the end of the season, and there are doubts over the futures of most forwards at Old Trafford.
Anthony Martial is currently on loan at Sevilla, and will likely move again, either on loan or in a permanent deal.
Marcus Rashford has been linked with a move away having fallen down the pecking order.
And there is still widespread speculation over the the future of Cristiano Ronaldo.
The ins and outs will depend on Erik ten Hag’s thoughts on how he wants to move the team forward, but previous reports have suggested the Dutch boss wants Nunez as a priority in the summer window – he made an ‘express request’.
And that’s been backed up by Portuguese outlet Record (via Express), who claim United are ‘counting on’ Nunez to lead the attack under Ten Hag.
The report states that having missed out on Erling Haaland, who is set to move to Manchester City from Borussia Dortmund, United are ready to act.
But the Red Devils will likely have to stump up close to £85m to land their top target, which will make him the most expensive striker in their history, surpassing the £75m they paid Everton for Romelu Lukaku in 2017.
Former United star Diego Forlan has urged his old team to land Nunez this summer.
“I think that he is a very good player, a good kid who is doing really well at Benfica and is enjoying a strong season,” he said recently.
“It is not just the Portuguese league where he is doing well but in the Champions League too.
“He is a player who has a lot of potential and he could fit in at Manchester United.
“But obviously, everyone needs to have patience, although he is getting better with more and more experience.”
Man Utd are ‘counting on’ £85m star to lead attack after Ten Hag ‘express request’ (msn.com)