Man Utd target Everton star as one of two striker options as Ten Hag sets priority

Will Ford
Richarlison in action for Everton.

Manchester United’s first acquisition under the stewardship of Erik ten Hag will be a striker, with Everton star Richarlison among two options to lead the line at Old Trafford.

That’s according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, who claims the Brazilian is joined by Benfica’s Darwin Nunez on the United shortlist.


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Romano told The United Stand: “Two players Manchester United have discussed in the striker position is Darwin Nunez and Richarlison.”

Ten Hag is expected to strengthen in multiple areas of the United squad, but Romano says a striker is his, and the club’s, priority.

Romano continued: “Once Manchester United sign a striker this summer, then they will decide on how much they want to spend on a midfielder.”

Edinson Cavani is set to leave United at the end of the season, and there are doubts over the futures of most forwards at Old Trafford.

Anthony Martial is currently on loan at Sevilla, and will likely move again, either on loan or in a permanent deal.

Marcus Rashford has been linked with a move away having fallen down the pecking order.

And there is still widespread speculation over the the future of Cristiano Ronaldo.

Richarlison has been rumoured to be on the verge of an Everton exit for some time, and that speculation has risen with the Toffees in a relegation battle.

The 24-year-old has eight goals and four assists in 27 Premier League appearances this season, coming to the fore for Frank Lampard’s side in recent weeks.

Nunez meanwhile is one of the hottest prospects in European football and has been linked with a number of clubs, including Arsenal and Newcastle, after an oustanding campaign which has seen him score 34 goals across all competitions.

Former United star Diego Forlan has urged his old team to land Nunez this summer.

“I think that he is a very good player, a good kid who is doing really well at Benfica and is enjoying a strong season,” he said recently.

“It is not just the Portuguese league where he is doing well but in the Champions League too.

“He is a player who has a lot of potential and he could fit in at Manchester United.

“But obviously, everyone needs to have patience, although he is getting better with more and more experience.”