A low-risk option? – Why Man United signing this 30-year-old star on loan would be wise

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Rohan Sengupta

Why Manchester United should sign Salomon Rondon on loan

According to The Times, Dalian Yifang striker Salomon Rondon has emerged as a transfer target for Manchester United.

The Red Devils missed out on signing Krzysztof Piatek, who has joined Hertha Berlin. Now, Salomon Rondon, 30, is being considered by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side, The Times claims.

The Venezuelan, who moved to Dalian Yifang last summer, could be available on a short-term loan deal as the Chinese Super League have postponed the start of their new season due to the coronavirus epidemic, the report adds.

Salomon Rondon during his time at West Brom. (Getty Images)
Salomon Rondon during his time at West Brom. (Getty Images)

Meanwhile, Manchester United completed a deal for Bruno Fernandes from Sporting Lisbon on Friday — marking their first signing of the January transfer window. Injuries to Paul Pogba and Scott McTominay had left the Red Devils light in the midfield and the addition of Fernandes would improve that area of the pitch.

Another area that Solskjaer needs to reinforce is the attack since the Red Devils have scored only 36 goals in 24 games so far this campaign. United did not replace Belgium striker Romelu Lukaku before the start of the season as he made his way to Inter Milan, with Solskjaer putting his faith on Marcus Rashford, Anthony Martial and teenager Mason Greenwood for goals.

Rashford is the club’s top scorer with 19 goals across all competitions this campaign. However, the England international has been sidelined until April after sustaining a serious back injury against Wolves in the FA Cup. And in his absence, Martial and Greenwood have struggled to deliver the goods, with the Red Devils getting knocked out of the EFL Cup on Wednesday by cross-town rivals Manchester City.

To put things plainly, United are desperately lacking an experienced No. 9 – someone who can score goals regularly and combine with the other forwards in the final third. And hence, Solskjaer should go for Salomon Rondon.

Manchester United players celebrate after scoring. (Getty Images)
Manchester United players celebrate after scoring. (Getty Images)

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Rondon scored five goals in 11 games for Dalian Yifang during his first season in the Chinese Super League. He has previously played for the likes of Newcastle and West Brom in England, scoring 35 goals in 140 Premier League appearances. The Venezuelan was named Newcastle’s Player of the Year at the end of last season after scoring 11 Premier League goals.

Verdict

The 30-year-old’s record in the Premier League – along with his experience – does make him a safe option. Hence, signing him on loan for the remainder of the campaign would be a smart move by United.