Why Man United would be wise to sign Raul Jimenez

Manchester United are keen to sign Wolves striker Raul Jimenez in January, according to Daily Mail.

Jimenez joined Wolves on loan last season before making his move permanent in April when he became their club-record signing. The striker has enjoyed another prolific campaign this term, scoring 17 goals in 34 appearances and sparking interest from United.

Jimenez has taken his game on to another level this season and has already matched his tally from last season, taking his overall total to 34 goals in 76 appearances for Wolves. 

Allowing Romelu Lukaku and Alexis Sanchez to depart Old Trafford for Inter Milan during the summer raised plenty of eyebrows but Solskjaer appeared to maintain trust in the abilities of his remaining forwards. However, while Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford have tremendous chemistry, the squad is quite lightweight when it comes to attacking options. Indeed, there is no recognized out-and-out centre-forward.

United have been strongly linked with a move for a striker in January, with Erling Haaland mentioned as a possibility for them before he joined Borussia Dortmund from Red Bull Salzburg.

Jimenez is a constant danger in the opposition area with his clever close control and finishing ability making him difficult to stop. The 28-year-old’s performances during Wolves’ run to the Emirates FA Cup semi-final and seventh-placed Premier League finish in 2018/19 led to him being voted the players’ Player of the Season.

Before his move to the Molineux, the 6ft 2in attacker spent four years at Benfica, where he won the Portuguese league title on two occasions alongside United’s Swedish defender Victor Lindelof.

Verdict

Jimenez is one of the most complete strikers in the top flight. He’s also been productive in the final third and durable across his two seasons for the club. With his multifaceted playing style, he is capable of slotting right in for United.

The Red Devils lack a striker in his mould, as they opted against signing a traditional centre-forward after selling Romelu Lukaku to Inter Milan in the summer.

Jimenez is a top-quality striker at the peak of his powers and Manchester United should sign him this month.