Can Napoli striker be Manchester United’s alternative solution for their striker conundrum?
By Varun Aithal
Has Man United found an alternative striker to solve their problems up front?
Every top team has multiple strikers in their squad who can be reliable in multiple situations. To be title contenders, clubs must and should have quality on their bench. The current fast-paced football demands at least two quality players competing for one position.
In the case of Manchester United, it has been only the Frenchman, Anthony Martial, who has toiled hard as the striker. Playing as a lone striker in a 4-2-3-1 formation, Martial has 17 goals in 31 appearances.
La gioia per la Coppa vinta rende tutto più bello, pure me 😂
— Arkadiusz Milik (@arekmilik9) June 19, 2020
Happiness for the Cup won, makes everything more beautiful, me too 😂
Radość po wygranym pucharze sprawia, że wszystko jest ładniejsze. Ja też 😂 pic.twitter.com/hd1xA1SWTY
Despite stats being on his side, the player is not a target man like that of Olivier Giroud or Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to make his presence known. Hence, Manchester United need a striker who can make his presence felt in the opposition box.
Though the Red Devils are and have been rumored with various strikers and attackers, Arkadiusz Milik can be a feasible solution to their single-striker problem.
What can Arkadiusz Milik do for Man United?
Milik can not only increase the competition in Manchester United’s squad but also can offer more than that of Anthony Martial.
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The Polish international has 14 goals to his name in 32 Serie A appearances for the 2019-20 season. Despite having a tall stature at 6’1, the player has lightning-quick pace alongside playmaking abilities.
Arkadiusz Milik has used his height to perfection. Compared to the 24-year-old Anthony Martial, Milik has won more aerial duels per game. Milik has won 1.6 aerial duels per game whereas Martial has 0.6 aerial duels per game.
Being physically strong can be a potentially dangerous weapon in Manchester United’s armory if they can vie Milik to Old Trafford.
On the other hand, Milik will also look for a potential move away from Italy. Though Gennaro Gattuso is resurrecting Napoli, they are still far away from challenging for titles.
Although it’s somewhat the same at Old Trafford. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s new signings and young blood have provided the impetus to their glory pursuit. The rich history and money can appeal to Milik and can tempt him to move to England if Manchester United do come calling.
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The 26-year-old striker has one year left on his current contract and it will expire at the end of the 2020-21 season. Milik is valued at €32 million, which is less in an inflated transfer market.
If the club does go in for the large figure, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Ed Woodward will face stern competition from Inter Milan and Tottenham Hotspur if they want to sign the player from Napoli.