Manchester United are two signings away from an ideal starting XI

There were exactly 29 days between Manchester United agreeing personal terms with Mason Mount and a fee with Chelsea. That alone is progress from the interminable Frenkie de Jong ordeal last year.

That lasted exactly 100 days; from the emergence of United's interest to concluding negotiations with Real Madrid for Casemiro. The one year remaining on Mount's Chelsea contract always made United hopeful of a swift deal.

They now have to move onto a striker and that cannot drag. Ideally, a new No.9 would be on board United's flight from Edinburgh to New York on July 19 ahead of three friendlies with Arsenal, Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund. The integration during a week-long training camp in San Diego is arguably more vital.

Harry Kane is, or was Erik ten Hag's preferred target, he has held video calls with Rasmus Hojlund, United admire Victor Osimhen (who doesn't?), Randal Kolo Muani is of interest and Ten Hag is impressed by Goncalo Ramos.

Also read: How Murtough secured a breakthrough in Mount negotiations

United have paid £55m up front for Mount. Going off their budget that is prefixed with 'tight', they have £65million to spend on a striker. That is nowhere near enough.

Player sales will be reinvested into the squad and United are not short of sellable assets but they struggle for demand at their stall in the sellers' market. There is little indication of any impending sales.

A centre forward might have been the first port of call had Mount not been so attainable. A dependable goalscorer could be the difference between a better season and a worse season for United, who barely have a recognisable striker.

Anthony Martial has been the No.9 for five of his eight years at the club but has hardly ever lived up to his