Sir Jim Ratcliffe is too late to sign Manchester United's perfect Rasmus Hojlund alternative

Following the big-money signing of Rasmus Hojlund last summer, it might be somewhat strange to those on the outside looking in that Manchester United are going to try and sign another striker this summer.

United parted with an initial fee of £64million to bring Hojlund to Old Trafford last August. Currently on 13 goals in all competitions, his maiden season in England is on course to be a success.

When United have been without him though, a huge void has been left at the top end of the pitch. Anthony Martial has been sidelined since January after undergoing surgery on a groin problem, meaning Erik ten Hag has had to juggle his forward line when Hojlund has been unavailable.

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Martial is poised to leave Old Trafford this summer when his contract expires, meaning Hojlund will become the only senior centre-forward on the club's books. United will source a replacement for Martial by bringing in a striker who can offer backup to Hojlund.

United are planning to strengthen in a handful of positions ahead of next season and signing a striker is unlikely to earn as big a budget as the projects to sign a starting centre-back and starting midfielder will. It means they will almost certainly have to box clever.

The likes of Harry Kane and Ivan Toney have been linked with moves to M16, but it is unrealistic to expect either of those two to make moves to Old Trafford to occupy positions behind Hojlund. Plus, they would both command an eye-watering transfer fee that United may feel would be better invested in a position in greater need of attention.

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