Erik ten Hag could hand Darwin Nunez dream Manchester United shirt number with transfer decision

Darwin Nunez could be given his dream shirt number if he completes a transfer to Manchester United this summer, though it all depends on whether Erik ten Hag wants to keep Anthony Martial or not.

Though midfield remains the priority position to strengthen in the summer transfer window, United are also in need of more firepower due to their dwindling centre forward options. Marcus Rashford's dismal form in front of goal this past season hasn't helped his case to lead the line, Edinson Cavani is leaving the club when his contract expires and Mason Greenwood is unavailable.

As a result, Cristiano Ronaldo is the only realistic senior striker option Ten Hag has at his disposal at present. Although he did finish the season as the club's top scorer with an impressive 24 goals, he is 37 and can't be relied upon to lead a line for an entire campaign. That's even if he does decide to stay at Old Trafford considering the lack of Champions League football in the forthcoming season.

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Whether Ronaldo stays or not, a new striker is absolutely needed. And United have been strongly linked with a move for Benfica star Nunez.

After notching an impressive 14 goals and 12 assists in the 2020/21 campaign, the 22-year-old surpassed those numbers in some style the following season. He scored a whopping 34 goals in just 41 matches last term, as well as picking up four assists. Six of those strikes came in the Champions League including a brace against Barcelona and a goal against Bayern Munich in the group stage before scoring against both Ajax and Liverpool in the knockout rounds.

Unsurprisingly, the Uruguayan is now being touted with a big move to one of Europe's top