1
Before the international week, Manchester United were struggling to find the back of the net and had just lost back-to-back Premier League games against Brighton and Liverpool.
Erik ten Hag’s future was on the line and his new recruit Joshua Zirkzee was still not firing while the wide men were also not at the top of their game.
Cut to the present, the Red Devils have won two on the trot, scoring 10 goals in total with all of the wingers looking in red-hot form.
However, with Rasmus Hojlund still sidelined, United will need their summer signing from Bologna to start scoring. He has shown his ability to link up play but a forward is known by the goals he scores.
Zirkzee still needs time to adapt
The Netherlands international is not your typical centre-forward, and that is exactly why there were talks of a move for Ivan Toney in the summer.
However, a move failed to materialise but assistant manager Ruud van Nistelrooy seems to have already suggested the perfect striker to sign in January if Football Transfers are to be believed.
Dusan Vlahovic of Juventus has been recommended to INEOS by the former United striker and scouts are set to monitor his progress thoroughly in the coming months.
With Nistelrooy favourite to take over from the former Ajax coach should he receive his relieving orders, his recommendation holds that much more weight.
The 24-year-old “extraordinary” striker has started the new season in sizzling fashion, netting twice and registering one assist in five games and with only two years left to run on his current contract, the Red Devils are plotting to swoop.
RvN wants Vlahovic
“Ruud van Nistelrooy is eager for Manchester United to sign Juventus forward Dusan Vlahovic in January, FootballTransfers has been informed.
“Following Van Nistelrooy’s recommendation, Man Utd are planning to scout Vlahovic over the next few months and gauge his interest in a potential mid-season transfer to Old Trafford.
“He (Van Nistelrooy) remains a prime candidate to take over if Man Utd decide to sack Ten Hag at any point over the next few years.
“As a result, Man Utd are taking Van Nistelrooy’s advice seriously and are strongly considering a move for Vlahovic during the January transfer window.”
Vlahovic is a long-term target
United have been frequently linked with the Serb, ever since he moved to Turin where he has struggled to shine on a consistent basis. He still scored 18 goals last season, more than any United forward.
He is yet to hit the same heights as his Fiorentina days but is still considered to be one of Europe’s top strikers. And working under the former Old Trafford frontman could just be the key that unlocks his enormous potential.
A January move will depend a lot on how United fare in the coming months. A deal will not be cheap with the Serbian international valued at €65 million as per Transfermarkt.
Juventus are likely to demand for more considering they paid €83 million for his services, especially if the 20-time English league champions try and secure a mid-season deal.
Feature image Alessandro Sabattini via Getty Images
Play for free to win the new United kit! We’re awarding a new prize every PL matchweek, courtesy of Goat Kits! To play, just (1) Join this week’s brand new PL Challenge league here with our league code puu1tk and enter your team. (2) Follow The Peoples Person on X and answer the tie breaker question. Full instructions and rules here.
You can also visit Goat Kits at goatkitstore.com and use discount code TPP30 to get 30% off your first purchase!
