Manchester United transfer update: Ruben Amorim's Marcus Rashford replacement likely to leave in January window

The Red Devils were beaten 3-0 by Bournemouth on Sunday in a humiliating defeat at Old Trafford, a match in which they failed to convert any of their four big chances.

United's struggles in front of goal have been highlighted in the same week that Marcus Rashford announced his intention to leave his boyhood club, with boss Ruben Amorim leaving him out of the squad for three consecutive games.

If Amorim's side are to mount a challenge for the Champions League spots in the second half of the season, then January additions in the forward line are a must, though they could find that their options are limited given many clubs are reluctant to lose players in the winter.

However, Florian Plettenberg reports that Kolo Muani's exit from PSG has been sanctioned, be it on loan or on a permanent transfer.

Why Man United need a striker

United have failed to score six times in the Premier League this season, and their record of 46 big chances created is only the top flight's joint ninth best return.

Though United scored three times against Tottenham Hotspur during their EFL Cup quarter-final clash on December 19, at least two of their goals can be attributed to mistakes by Spurs goalkeeper Fraser Forster.

When eliminating penalty kicks from the equation, the Red Devils have only scored 18 goals in the league, the joint fifth fewest of any team.

Bruno Fernandes and Rashford are United's joint highest goalscorers in the Premier League having found the back of the net four times each, but it is concerning that 30 players have scored more than them in the top flight.

Striker Rasmus Hojlund has scored just twice while Joshua Zirkzee has netted on three occasions in the Premier League, and while both are young and could get better as the season progresses, their lack of output is concerning for a club the size of Man United.

Could Kolo Muani stunt Rasmus Hojlund?

Though Hojlund must improve in front of goal in order to establish himself as United's starting number nine, he has already shown some improvement under Amorim.

The 21-year-old used to be bullied off the ball by physically strong defenders, but his holdup play has developed since the arrival of the Portuguese manager.

Amorim's 3-4-3 system only has room for one striker, and considering United have already spent significant sums on Hojlund and Zirkzee, it would be difficult to justify further outlay on Kolo Muani.

Perhaps it would be wiser to look for ways of increasing the team's ability to create chances rather than finish them, as while Amad Diallo and Bruno Fernandes are capable in the final third, United's wing-back options have proven to be somewhat limited in wide areas.

If the Red Devils could secure Kolo Muani on loan without an obligation to buy, then the Frenchman could prove to be a valuable short-term addition.

Written by

Lewis Nolan