Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag could well have identified another potential option to fill the club’s centre-forward void, amid recent speculation linking the Premier League giants with a move for Inter Milan star, Lautaro Martinez.
What’s the latest on Lautaro to Man United?
Reports emerged last week that the Red Devils are set to do battle with rivals Chelsea and Arsenal in the race to sign the Argentina international ahead of next season, with the Old Trafford outfit still seeking a long-term replacement for Cristiano Ronaldo in attack.
The suggestion during the summer – amid interest from the Gunners – was that the 25-year-old could be worth in the region of £70m, albeit with it unclear as to whether that valuation could rise amid the striker’s continued, consistent goalscoring form at club level.
According to journalist Pete O’Rourke – speaking to GIVEMESPORT – the 46-cap marksman would seemingly be an ideal fit for United were he to make the move in the coming months, with the transfer insider stating:
“He’s a top player, a world-class striker, and I think that’s what Man Utd will be looking for this summer; a regular goalscorer who can help aid Erik ten Hag’s rebuilding process at Old Trafford.”
Who could be Man United’s next Tevez?
As noted above, the former Racing Club man – who arrived in Italy back in July 2018 – appears to have put himself on the radar of Europe’s top clubs as a result of his prolific form in recent years, having racked up 90 goals and 31 assists in just 213 games for the Nerazzurri.
That includes a haul of 16 goals and seven assists in 32 appearances across all fronts in the current campaign thus far, having scored six goals in just his last seven Serie A games as a marker of his clinical nature in front of goal.
Lauded as a “spectacular” asset by international colleague, Lionel Messi, the World Cup winner appears to have all the tools to be able to succeed in English football, having also illustrated his hard-working nature of late as he ranks in the top 3% for interceptions made among his European peers, as well as in the top 8% for blocks made.
Clearly a relentless and dynamic presence when leading the line, the 5 foot 9 sensation has perhaps unsurprisingly earned comparisons to compatriot and fellow forward Carlos Tevez in recent years, with the latter man himself having previously stated:
“What a player he is, He’s hungry, ruthless and technically gifted. He reminds me of myself a few years ago. Of the young Argentines, he is by far the best and can get even better.”
That comparison to Tevez will likely be of intrigue to those at the Theatre of Dreams, with the 39-year-old having briefly dazzled under Sir Alex Ferguson after joining the club in 2007, going on to win two league titles and claim the Champions League over the next two years.
Having formed part of a tenacious and devastating attacking trio alongside Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo, the at-times unsung menace would ultimately score 34 goals and provide 14 assists in just 99 games across all fronts.
While the now-retired ace would somewhat sour his time at United by joining rivals Manchester City in 2009, the ferocious forward was still hugely influential during his stint under Ferguson, with his remarkable “work rate” and “never-say-die spirit” having been a real feature of his game throughout his time in the Premier League – as per ex-City teammate, Gareth Barry.
Like Martinez, Tevez was able to combine that work ethic with the ability to make the difference in the final third, with it likely to be a real coup if Ten Hag can land a possible heir to the former Red Devils gem by signing the Inter man this summer.
