Man Utd’s four-man shortlist of Edinson Cavani replacements as Barcelona eye January deal

Man Utd: Forlan names who Cavani would thrive alongside

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Manchester United are facing a fight to keep Edinson Cavani beyond the New Year. Barcelona, having seen Sergio Aguero ruled out for the foreseeable future with a heart problem, are keen to bring the Red Devils hitman to the Nou Camp when the transfer window reopens next month. So Express Sport will now take a look at four players Ralf Rangnick could go after, either in January or next summer, should Cavani leave Old Trafford behind.

Erling Haaland

Obviously, Erling Haaland tops United’s list of potential Cavani replacements.

The Borussia Dortmund star came close to joining the Premier League side in the January transfer window of 2020, only to end up moving to the Westfalenstadion instead.

Since then, Haaland has been sensational. With 74 goals from 72 Bundesliga games since moving from Red Bull Salzburg, it’s easy to see why Europe’s elite are keen to snap him up.

Though United were frustrated at missing out on the Norway international nearly two years ago, they remain extremely interested.

With Rangnick in charge, that also gives them hope of concluding a deal with the duo knowing each other well from their time at Red Bull Salzburg together.

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Joao Felix

Fresh reports have linked United with Atletico Madrid hitman Joao Felix in recent days.

Big things were expected of the Portugal international when he joined Diego Simeone’s side from Benfica back in the summer of 2019.

But Felix has underwhelmed throughout his time in Spain, with the youngster now currently below Antoine Griezmann in Simeone’s pecking order.

Soon, the 22-year-old could be cut loose with the La Liga giants’ patience starting to wear thin.

And with United previously interested in landing him two years ago, it’s possible they’ll reignite their interest in the wake of any possible Cavani departure.

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Alexander Isak

United want to sign young players with the potential to blossom into superstars in the coming years ahead.

So that’s why Alexander Isak is another forward who has to be on their shortlist if Cavani joins Barcelona next month.

When the 22-year-old struggled at Borussia Dortmund, it seemed as though he’d blown a golden opportunity to establish himself as one of Europe’s next best things.

Yet Isak has rebuilt his career at Real Sociedad, netting 38 times in La Liga during his two years at the club so far.

United were interested in Isak when he was performing for AIK in Sweden and, given they know the hitman well, a move to Old Trafford can’t be ruled out.

Timo Werner

It would certainly be a bizarre transfer deal.

But United have been strongly linked with Chelsea star Timo Werner ever since Rangnick’s move to the club earlier this month.

And with the Germany international below Romelu Lukaku in Thomas Tuchel’s pecking order, the Red Devils could try and bring him to Old Trafford.

Chelsea would likely put up a fight to stop that happening, especially with Werner settled in the capital.

But with Rangnick previously managing his compatriot at RB Leipzig, this is certainly one to keep an eye on.

United’s striker record in recent years

United have signed numerous strikers since Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement back in 2013.

Radamel Falcao moved the following year but, after finding the net just four times, was allowed to return to Monaco.

In 2016, United snapped up Anthony Martial from the Ligue 1 side. Nearly six years on, and the jury remains out.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Romelu Lukaku were recruited during Jose Mourinho’s time in charge.

And Ole Gunnar Solskjaer brought in Cavani and Cristiano Ronaldo prior to his sacking last month, where a 4-1 defeat to Watford prompted the Glazers to wield the axe.

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