Manchester United could look to former Sir Alex Ferguson favourite for wildcard striker solution

Manchester United are going to need at least one new striker in the summer.

Edinson Cavani is set to leave on a free transfer when his contract expires, Anthony Martial could move onto pastures new after spending half the season out on loan with Sevilla and Cristiano Ronaldo's future at Old Trafford could depend on whether the team qualify for the Champions League this season.

MEN Sport understands that Ralf Rangnick has reservations over Ronaldo and does not believe he should be leading the line for the team next season and, to that end, United will be in the market for a younger profile of striker that fits with a shortlist being drawn up of potential targets.

But given the potential of three strikers leaving, alongside the inauspicious form of Marcus Rashford, it leaves United with a limited number of options up front and even if they do sign a new starting striker, depth beyond the first XI would remain a serious issue.

With United needing to strengthen in a number of areas such as right-back and central midfield, the potential outlay for this transfer window would be sizeable, so a cost-effective option might be needed to solve the squad depth problem in attack for Rangnick's probable successor.

So why not bring back one of Sir Alex Ferguson's favourites to fill the role, Danny Welbeck?

Now, hear me out here. This may not be the marquee signing many United fans were hoping I'd suggest but given the current state of the squad, bringing back someone who is already well-liked by the fans to act as an emergency option wouldn't be the most outlandish idea.

And for those doubting the likelihood of this, it's worth considering the fact United signed Odion Ighalo for this very purpose and given that the team's Champions