2 forwards Manchester United could realistically sign if Romelu Lukaku Leaves

Manchester United forward Romelu Lukaku is widely expected to depart Old Trafford this transfer window. With Inter Milan circling, Lukaku is keen to move to Italy, where Antonio Conte is waiting to unite with the man he wanted to recruit while at Chelsea. With the firepower available in their forward line United won’t miss Lukaku much, but, they will certainly need a striker to replace the big Belgian.

Since his arrival at the Old Trafford, the Belgian has scored 42 goals in 96 appearances across two seasons for the Red Devils. That is not a terrible return by any means, but since the arrival of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Lukaku has struggled to find the back of the net consistently.

Now the question for Manchester United is should they break the bank once again in an attempt to bring in an established world-class forward? Or should they take a more realistic and affordable route?

Let’s take a look at two of Solskjaer’s most realistic options for replacing Romelu Lukaku.

Nicolas Pepe

A superstar in Ligue 1 – Nicolas Pepe almost single-handedly has transformed Lille from a team scrapping for survival in 2017/18 to the second-best side in Ligue 1 in 2018/19.

Only Kylian Mbappe (33) eclipsed Nicolas Pepe (22) in terms of goals scored in Ligue 1 last season. The 24-year-old also provided seven assists in addition to his 22 goals meaning he had a direct hand in 29 of Lille’s 68 league goals.

According to the reports from the Times, Manchester United already have eclipsed their bitter rivals Liverpool and Arsenal in the race for signing Pepe.

It’s easy to see why Manchester United are looking to make a summer move for Pepe. He is a young dynamic forward, and his current valuation of £70m will make the deal a more realistic option in an inflated market.

Pepe’s versatility can be an asset to Ole Solskjaer as Pepe can play out wide or through the middle using his pace to get in behind oppositions’ defenses. Solskjaer would likely deploy the Ivory Coast international in a central role if he were to arrive.

The Red Devils although, have to convince Pepe to join a Europa League club as Pepe will be playing Champions League football next season with Lille. However, the size and stature of United could be too tempting for him to turn down regardless of the European competition they are playing in.

Wissam Ben Yedder

SS Lazio v Sevilla - UEFA Europa League Round of 32: First Leg

Manchester United fans will remember Wissam Ben Yedder all too well. He was the man to send Mourinho’s side crashing out of the Champions League dramatically in 2018. Ben Yedder scored two goals in four minutes at Old Trafford coming off the bench for Sevilla. Since then, Ben Yedder has been on Manchester United’s radar.

The 28-year-old is only 5’7” tall, and he clearly won’t offer the same physicality as Romelu Lukaku. However, Ben Yedder is quick, creative, and two-footed, which is much better suited to United’s style. Ben Yedder offers far more than just a goal threat as he registered nine assists against his name and created 45 chances last season. On the other hand, Lukaku failed to make any assist and created half the number of Ben Yedders’ chances.

According to reports from ABC de Sevilla, The Red Devils may trigger the release clause of the Sevilla forward in the summer.

Solskjaer is a fan of counter-attacking football, and Ben Yedder fits his mould perfectly. No La Liga player made more fast breaks than Ben Yedder (10) last season. With a reported release clause of just £35.9 million, Ben Yedder offers the Red Devils a cheap and dynamic alternative to the outgoing Belgian.

Edited by Sai Teja