3 players Manchester United can buy to replace Romelu Lukaku in the summer

Romelu Lukaku is struggling for form this season at Manchester United. The Belgian center-forward looks nothing like the player for whom United shelled out £90 million last summer. He scored 27 goals and provided 9 assists in all competitions last season, proving his worth to the Manchester United faithful.

But this season has been a horror show for him. He has managed to score just 9 goals and provided 4 assists in 34 appearances this season. He looks lost on the field for most of the game and his link-up play hasn't been very good lately. Although he had a busy summer with Belgium in the FIFA World Cup and fatigue was thought to be the problem at the start of the season, he is now running out of excuses and time, with almost 3/4th of the season over.

Lukaku is now struggling for playing time at United, especially after the appointment of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer back in December. Marcus Rashford's terrific form has cost Lukaku his place in the starting eleven and it is evident that Rashford suits the football style Solskjaer wants to implement at the club.

If Solskjaer gets the job permanently at the end of the season, Lukaku may find himself as a fringe player under the Norwegian manager. And if the situation doesn't change, Lukaku may resort to finding a new club for himself.

Inter Milan are reportedly interested in his services to replace Mauro Icardi, who looks desperate to leave the club after the recent drama. Lukaku had already showcased his admiration for the Italian league in an interview and how he saw himself playing in that league in the future. Despite his recent struggles, he's a top-class player and most of the top clubs will be in for the Belgian powerhouse if he's available in the summer.

United will be looking to replace the striker in the summer. Although Rashford looks the one to lead the line for the Old Trafford outfit next season, they do need a player who can provide cover as well as competition for the No. 9 spot.

Here are 3 players United can buy in the summer:

#1 Mauro Icardi

Mauro Icardi wants out of Inter Milan after the recent drama surrounding him and the club. He was stripped of the captaincy after failing to agree to a new contract with the club.

Inter are reportedly interested in Lukaku to replace him, and United will require a replacement for the Belgian. And who would be better than Icardi?

A swap deal will be a non-zero sum game for both the clubs. Icardi is a world-class striker and can lead the line for United for years to come. The Argentine has scored 15 goals and has provided 3 assists in 28 appearances this season. The 26-year old is also wanted by Spanish giants Real Madrid. If United want him, they might have to fight a lot of big clubs for his signature.

#2 Luka Jovic

One of the hottest properties of Europe, the Serbian U21 international Luka Jovic has been in inspiring form this season. He has already registered 15 goals and 5 assists against his name this season and is wanted by Europe's heavyweights. He averages a goal every 93.7 minutes in the Bundesliga. He can shoot with both feet and is a fox in the box. United will have to shell out north of £50 million to get him and will have to fight a lot of interest for the 21-year-old.

#3 Raul Jimenez

Raul Jimenez has been brilliant for the Wolves this season. He has scored 12 goals and has provided 6 assists this season. He is a traditional number 9 in many aspects of his game. His link-up play and his first touch is sublime. He is strong in the air and can bully almost any defender in the league.

The Mexican hitman is quick and calm and composed in front of the goal. He'll be the perfect replacement for Romelu Lukaku and will provide Manchester United with the ability to play more direct. He might cost Manchester United between £40-50 million, but it will be money well spent, considering he already knows the Premier League.