Manchester United Opinion: 2 Lukaku replacements United should consider

Earlier this week, Federico Pastorello, Romelu Lukaku’s agent, confirmed that his player is open to new challenges while stressing that he remains fully focused on Manchester United for the time being.

The Belgium international, 25, joined Manchester United from Everton on a five-year contract, with the club having an option to extend by a further 12 months. He enjoyed a solid debut campaign at Old Trafford, netting 28 goals in all competitions but has struggled to hold down a regular place under new manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

In fact, Romelu Lukaku has played second fiddle to Marcus Rashford, with Solskjaer preferring the academy kid to the 25-year-old in his system. But the big Belgian has returned to form in recent weeks despite dropping down the pecking order.

Now that Pastorello has spoken of Lukaku’s desire to play in some of Europe’s biggest leagues after a lengthy spell in England, the time could be ripe for Solskjaer to start plotting replacements as he aims to overhaul the squad in the summer to make the Red Devils capable of challenging for the title next term.

That being said, here two replacements for Lukaku Manchester United should consider this summer.

1. Timo Werner (RB Leipzig)

Solskjaer clearly wants his side to play with pace, potency and flair. That should make RB Leipzig star Timo Werner a great fit at Old Trafford, with the Germany international been linked with United for some time now.

Werner, 23, has established himself as one of the top strikers in European football. And it’s just a matter of time before an elite European club lures him away from Leipzig.

United should definitely make a move for the German, who has scored 12 times in Bundesliga so far this season. The 23-year-old may not contribute much to the buildup to a goal but is always looking to get into the box to finish off a move. He is a technically-gifted forward who combines his pace and movement with his composure in front of goal.

A player like Werner would give United’s attack a different dimension, whilst potentially forming a deadly combo with Rashford.

2. Mauro Icardi (Inter Milan)

According to a report from Calciomercato, Inter Milan will sell their star striker Mauro Icardi in the upcoming summer transfer window.

Icardi has endured a tough time since the turn of 2019, both on and off the pitch. He was stripped of the captaincy by the club before suffering a knee injury that kept him out from action for some time. After his two-month exile, he returned to score a penalty in Inter’s 4-0 victory away at Genoa.

United should look to sign Icardi in the summer to potentially replace Lukaku. The Argentina international, who has already attracted United’s attention, has a great eye for the goal and is good both in the box as well as outside. His strength is his finishing and he is extremely composed in front of goal.

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He is an out-and-out striker, finishing all types of chances. Icardi has plenty of experience at leading the line and his pace and physicality should be a natural fit for the Premier League.