Let's talk strikers: who do we buy and why?

[DannyCAFC]

His name is En-Nesyri, which means you never watched him play.

Or just possibly, he either made a typo or got momentarily mixed up - honest mistakes that anyone could make? Don't be such a dick.

 

[userman]

Not calvert lewin, in a million years

DCL had the worst goals vs xG number in the league last season according to FBref and currently has the worst this season. Which statistically you could argue makes him the worst finisher in the entire PL.

No and no.

David has never looked good whenever I've seen him play, which is not much I'll be honest but even his highlight reel looks so unimpressive? He does have the numbers on his side though. DCL is perma crocked and has such erratic finishing.

Alright. I'm not really suprised by the negativity towards Calvert-Lewin, but I genuinly think he would offer us more or at least equal output as a 9 than either of Hojlund/Zirkzee. However, after looking closer at his injury history I'll backpedal on my suggestion of signing him, we can't afford more crocked players.

I do still think that David should be a serious option for us, especially if we happen to sign two strikers. I'd claim that he would offer us more than Hojlund/Zirkzee as a 9, and that he would also be a better fit as a 10 than what Zirkzee is.
In terms of what David offers as a poacher, finisher, build up, relative strength for his size, I'd say that he would be a very good squad option to have and a smart signing for once.

Different type of player to David though, but comparatively Marcus Thuram would've have been a very good fit and a smart signing on a free when we instead signed Hojlund for £60m - we must be smarter and better in our transfer dealings, including "free transfers". Especially with our limited budget.

 

[RedSky]

Problem I have with Jonathan David is that his goals scored are heavily influenced by his penalty goals. You'd think scoring 12 goals in Ligue 1 is impressive, but 6 of them were pens.

 

[SER19]

Problem I have with Jonathan David is that his goals scored are heavily influenced by his penalty goals. You'd think scoring 12 goals in Ligue 1 is impressive, but 6 of them were pens.

Fair but I suppose can also be taken in the context of playing for a quite low scoring 'underdog' side.

 

[RedSky]

Fair but I suppose can also be taken in the context of playing for a quite low scoring 'underdog' side.

Lille are 5th. Emanuel Emegha plays for Strasbourg who are 7th and has scored 11, 10 in open play. That's just one example. One thing going for David is that he does score at least 10+ goals in open play consistently for the previous 4 years. He'd be a decent backup CF but not sure he's got the quality for a proper CF option. Free transfer too right?

 

[SER19]

Lille are 5th. Emanuel Emegha plays for Strasbourg who are 7th and has scored 11, 10 in open play. That's just one example. One thing going for David is that he does score at least 10+ goals in open play consistently for the previous 4 years. He'd be a decent backup CF but not sure he's got the quality for a proper CF option. Free transfer too right?

Lille are a low scoring team. That's all i said. They are built on their defence. Yes he'd be free an overall tends to get 20+ a season, including pens. We should at least be considering it given we can't score to save our lives and supposedly have no money

 

[golden_blunder]

What makes you say that.

Playing with the coach who gave him his big break, to have Man United on his CV and of course, the money. I think he's the easiest target for us to get, looking at player terms. The price is a different factor.

He would 100% be my number one pick. If not, then Osimhen. This system is begging for a physical and fast striker who can take on players themselves and have a knack for goal scoring.

That’s not Osimhens style. Hes a poacher

 

[NLunited]

David as striker, and Cunha as a 10.

I also like the name of the Sunderland bloke, Isildur was it?

 

[Andersons Dietician]

Think more of the issues are what’s happening behind the strikers and to the side of them.

So unless we somehow unearth a truly incredible striker who doesn’t cost much, wages and fee who is just one of those truly fantastic players that can beat 2 or 3 people to create a chance all on his own I’m in the stick with what we have for now.

Sort the rest of the play and squad out and they’ll come good in my opinion. However if we could have brought in a Cavani like experienced player now to help them out then that would be great. However we won’t pay the wages something like that would require.

 

[Rozay]

Sisqo.

 

[Ágætis Byrjun]

Vlahovic. Stagnated yes, but think he can go another level in a different environment.

 

[devilish]

We have been going for serie a players and we seem to have our fingers burnt every single time (Darmian, zirkzee, hojlund, onono etc). I'd say let's say zirkzee and bring delap in. He's young, he is EPL proven, he's a good finisher and Ipswich gets relegated then he won't cost a lot.

 

[dinostar77]

Lots of names mentioned on here, but very little discussion as to what type of striker the system needs that amorim plays.

You definitely need someone who can hold up the ball, so he needs to be strong. Needs enough movement to keep the centre backs occupied and therefore create space for both no10's. Also need someone who can work the channels when required, again to move the defence around and create space for others to join in the attack. A focal point of the attack.

Seeing we are nowhere near the finished product as a team, whoever we get will have to do a lot of selfless work upfront and work off scraps, hence the ability to be a focal point and make a defensive line uncomfortable.

A drogba, mateta (palace) etc, that sort of striker. I think the club would have to be smart and look at strikers they wouldn't normally consider that the lower half of PL clubs would due to our financial issues and lack of European football etc.

 

[Marwood]

Lots of names mentioned on here, but very little discussion as to what type of striker the system needs that amorim plays.

You definitely need someone who can hold up the ball, so he needs to be strong. Needs enough movement to keep the centre backs occupied and therefore create space for both no10's. Also need someone who can work the channels when required, again to move the defence around and create space for others to join in the attack. A focal point of the attack.

Seeing we are nowhere near the finished product as a team, whoever we get will have to do a lot of selfless work upfront and work off scraps, hence the ability to be a focal point and make a defensive line uncomfortable.

A drogba, mateta (palace) etc, that sort of striker. I think the club would have to be smart and look at strikers they wouldn't normally consider that the lower half of PL clubs would due to our financial issues and lack of European football etc.

That basically describes every good striker we've had.

We don't need to overthink this. The system doesn't make any difference to the qualities we need from a striker.

Fast, strong, good touch, good attitude, good finisher.

Whatever your system that's what every manager/fan wants.

 

[Katy Cat]

Picking-up on a couple of points in the OP and backing up what some others have said...

The harsh reality - and it's hard to deal with I know - is that we're not as competitive as we were. We haven't got close to a title challenge in over 10 years (in neither of our second placed seasons were we ever remotely in contention), have fallen from a place amongst the top 4 regulars and, worryingly, may have further to fall still. We might still be bigger than almost every other club, we retain some cachet and there's definitely something special for anyone who becomes part of a renaissance, but there are a clutch of other clubs who offer more as success opportunities, can better afford big fees and can match what we can offer in wage deals.

And wage deals are important. The pull factor in signing names like Ronaldo, Varane and Casemiro - all older players who joined having been there and done it - was mostly about offering highly lucrative contracts. That turned out to be a disastrous decision and we can't and shouldn't repeat that mistake.

I'd love Gyökeres but he's long shot given the likely interest in him and choices he'll have.

I increasingly like the idea of Jonathan David - age / profile / availability - and just have a feeling we'd regret to moving in because I can see him being a 15+ goal a season striker in the PL. And let's face it, that would make a difference in improving our permanent-crisis in the forward line.

 

[Remember the geese]

Think we'll go for Osimhen. Though I think PSG are interested too.

 

[Bojan Djordjic]

Vlahovic. Stagnated yes, but think he can go another level in a different environment.

Would have zero confidence that United would be that place when its usually the opposite that happens.

 

[OleGunnar20]

He's not perfect and wouldn't be my first choice (all things being equal) but United would be crazy not to try for him, given that he's a reliable goalscorer and out of contract. I suspect he'll have better offers elsewhere, though.

Similar to the Thuram situation. Lots on here were bringing him up as a smart move on a free, and look what an upgrade he'd be for us now.

 

[Xeque_279]

Different type of player to David though, but comparatively Marcus Thuram would've have been a very good fit and a smart signing on a free when we instead signed Hojlund for £60m - we must be smarter and better in our transfer dealings, including "free transfers". Especially with our limited budget.

This!

Can't believe they got him for free without any competition. Really solid player and would've been such a good option for us.

 

[Xeque_279]

That’s not Osimhens style. Hes a poacher

He's a lot more than that. A complete striker, very similar to Gyokeres.

 

[aeh1991]

This!

Can't believe they got him for free without any competition. Really solid player and would've been such a good option for us.

Weren't we even interested and Ten Hag or Murtough wanted a different striker or something like that? I can't remember correctly but as far as I know there were definitely some interest from our side.

 

[Xeque_279]

Weren't we even interested and Ten Hag or Murtough wanted a different striker or something like that? I can't remember correctly but as far as I know there were definitely some interest from our side.

No idea, but would've perfect to have him and Hojlund, not have to over rely on the kid.

 

[aeh1991]

Both Gyokeres and Osimhen are available for £62m and both will likely ask for a high salary. At the same time they are the least risky transfers imo. I am aware of the PSR situation but if we manage to offload all of Sancho (already done), Rashford, Antony, Casemiro, and one of Mount or Shaw then I don't think it's impossible to get one of them and still make signings on other positions. If not, then I would go for other alternatives but David, aside from being a free transfer, is definitely a tier below them.

 

[tenpoless]

Need a lanky bustard up front someone who can score a header without jumping

 

[Xeque_279]

Both Gyokeres and Osimhen are available for £62m and both will likely ask for a high salary. At the same time they are the least risky transfers imo. I am aware of the PSR situation but if we manage to offload all of Sancho (already done), Rashford, Antony, Casemiro, and one of Mount or Shaw then I don't think it's impossible to get one of them and still make signings on other positions. If not, then I would go for other alternatives but David, aside from being a free transfer, is definitely a tier below them.

Given the prices we've seen players go for (and we've paid ourselves) 62m seems very reasonable. I think Gyokeres will also be more flexible wage wise compared to Osimhen.

 

[aeh1991]

Need a lanky bustard up front someone who can score a header without jumping

A player like that is less pacey than the likes of Osimhen or Gyokeres. The player who combines speed, technique and physique is Sesko but for the asking price he's a bit risky.

 

[dinostar77]

That basically describes every good striker we've had.

We don't need to overthink this. The system doesn't make any difference to the qualities we need from a striker.

Fast, strong, good touch, good attitude, good finisher.

Whatever your system that's what every manager/fan wants.

I would disagree, there's a big difference in a striker between having Drogba upfront or inzaghi for example. The ability to have the ball pinged into you as a striker and to hold it up is vital in our system as so much goes through the centre of the pitch in the final attacking third.

I'd say we don't even need anyone who is fast. Just using Harry Kane for example, he would fit the role and he isn't quick.

 

[Marwood]

I would disagree, there's a big difference in a striker between having Drogba upfront or inzaghi for example. The ability to have the ball pinged into you as a striker and to hold it up is vital in our system as so much goes through the centre of the pitch in the final attacking third.

I'd say we don't even need anyone who is fast. Just using Harry Kane for example, he would fit the role and he isn't quick.

Really don't think we need a specific system striker. Just get a striker that ticks most of the boxes that everybody wants from a No.9. We need a 9 that can hold the ball up woth technique but so does everybody.

Nobody really wants an Inzaghi anymore and they don't really exist anyway.

 

[B20]

Nobody really wants an Inzaghi anymore and they don't really exist anyway.

If by that you mean that Haaland has taken it to such a radical extent that he's basically redefined the poacher role, then perhaps yes.

 

[Hammondo]

Alright. I'm not really suprised by the negativity towards Calvert-Lewin, but I genuinly think he would offer us more or at least equal output as a 9 than either of Hojlund/Zirkzee. However, after looking closer at his injury history I'll backpedal on my suggestion of signing him, we can't afford more crocked players.

I do still think that David should be a serious option for us, especially if we happen to sign two strikers. I'd claim that he would offer us more than Hojlund/Zirkzee as a 9, and that he would also be a better fit as a 10 than what Zirkzee is.
In terms of what David offers as a poacher, finisher, build up, relative strength for his size, I'd say that he would be a very good squad option to have and a smart signing for once.

Different type of player to David though, but comparatively Marcus Thuram would've have been a very good fit and a smart signing on a free when we instead signed Hojlund for £60m - we must be smarter and better in our transfer dealings, including "free transfers". Especially with our limited budget.

If we could sell Hojlund and pick him up on a free, I wouldn't be angry. Reasonable wages and he's probably an upgrade, even though still not good.

 

[Hammondo]

He's a lot more than that. A complete striker, very similar to Gyokeres.

He's nothing like him, he's far from complete, he's more like Haaland.

 

[Xeque_279]

He's nothing like him, he's far from complete, he's more like Haaland.

I'd say between the two. He's so much more involved in the play, very good with his back to goal bringing other players in and can run with the ball too. Not just a poacher.
Gyokeres defo feels more well rounded and would be my first choice.

 

[Hammondo]

I'd say between the two. He's so much more involved in the play, very good with his back to goal bringing other players in and can run with the ball too. Not just a poacher.
Gyokeres defo feels more well rounded and would be my first choice.

You just described Haaland, who often plays with his back to goal to quickly pass on the ball.

 

[Marwood]

If by that you mean that Haaland has taken it to such a radical extent that he's basically redefined the poacher role, then perhaps yes.

Yeah he has. He's twice the size of the 90's poacher as well. On top of that he can probably do a lot more if City played him differently.

 

[B20]

You just described Haaland, who often plays with his back to goal to quickly pass on the ball.

You mean pass on receiving the ball in the first place.

Haaland completes an average of 8 passes per 90. There is no "often" about any of his pass decisions, except him evading it.

For context, city complete 540+ passes per game on average.

 

[bitcoin]

Liam Delap for #9 and Cunha for #10.

We need to get back to signing players that have some semblance of a track record in this league.

In addition we need physical specimens; hard runners and against-all-odds mentality, Delap seems to have that fire in his belly.

Osimhen, Gyokeres etc is just more of the same transfer philosophy that we’ve been served for the last few years.

 

[Hammondo]

You mean pass on receiving the ball in the first place.

Haaland completes an average of 8 passes per 90. There is no "often" about any of his pass decisions, except him evading it.

For context, city complete 540+ passes per game on average.

https://fbref.com/en/players/1f44ac21/Erling-Haaland

12.5 over the last year, which is insanely low. I'm not fan of his.

https://fbref.com/en/players/8c90fd7a/Victor-Osimhen

14 is not much better. In a much easier league.

 

[Marwood]

Liam Delap for #9 and Cunha for #10.

We need to get back to signing players that have some semblance of a track record in this league.

In addition we need physical specimens; hard runners and against-all-odds mentality, Delap seems to have that fire in his belly.

Osimhen, Gyokeres etc is just more of the same transfer philosophy that we’ve been served for the last few years.

But Delap only has 22 career goals to his name. I don’t think that's enough of a track record.

It feels like signing Hojlund again to me.

 

[B20]

https://fbref.com/en/players/1f44ac21/Erling-Haaland

12.5 over the last year, which is insanely low. I'm not fan of his.

https://fbref.com/en/players/8c90fd7a/Victor-Osimhen

14 is not much better. In a much easier league.

I was looking at this season. But also completed passes. Which comes to 8.75 for the year in that link.

I do think Haaland's stats are made worse from how dominant in possession city are.

 

[MaMa given red]

Think we'll go for Osimhen. Though I think PSG are interested too.

Osimhen is looking for massive wages. That's the reason Chelsea didn't sign him because he wanted 400k a week. There's no chance of us signing him in the summer.