“Next Greenwood”, “We should be all over this” – Manchester United fans urge club to sign forward labeled ‘perfect’ for Ten Hag after transfer links emerge

Red Devils fans have reacted to the club's links with Hugo Ekitike
Red Devils fans have reacted to the club's links with Hugo Ekitike

Manchester United fans were buoyed by reports linking their club to Reims striker Hugo Ekitike. As per journalist Julien Laurens (via @utdreport), the Red Devils have enquired about the 19-year-old Frenchman.

Ekitike has made 24 appearances for Reims in all competitions this season, scoring 10 goals and making four assists. With the French club sitting 12th in the Ligue 1 table, the striker could be looking for greener pastures in the summer.

His performances have garnered interest from multiple clubs apart from Manchester United. As per ESPN, Arsenal, Bayern Munich and Newcastle United are also keen on signing Ekitike. He could cost around €15 million.

Manchester United fans were delighted with the links and urged their club to get the deal done. They deemed him a "perfect" fit for incoming manager Erik ten Hag and took to Twitter to express themselves. Here are some of their reactions:

Hugo Ekitike began his career at Cormontreuil FC before joining Reims' famed academy in 2013 at the age of 11. He scored five goals in 12 fourth-tier games for the club's reserves team at the age of 17.

The youngster signed his first professional contract with the club in July 2020. He made his senior team debut in a 3-1 loss to FC Lorient in October of the same year.

Ekitike was then sent out on loan to Danish side Vejle BK in January 2021. He netted three goals in 11 games for the club across all competitions.

Ekitike is now a vital vog in Reims' attack and is regarded as one of the breakout stars in Ligue 1.


Manchester United need reinforcements in attack

While Manchester United arguably need reinforcements in almost every position on the field, their attack is something they need to strengthen on an urgent basis. They have been completely reliant on Cristiano Ronaldo for goals this season as he has scored 24 goals in 37 matches in all competitions.

Their next best scorer is Bruno Fernandes, with 10 goals in 44 appearances. Jadon Sancho and Marcus Rashford, meanwhile, have scored five goals each in all competitions.

There has truly been a complete lack of attacking prowess up front for the Red Devils.

While Ronaldo might still be able to produce the goods, the 37-year-old striker is not a long-term solution. Moreover, with Edinson Cavani's contract expiring at the end of the season and Rashford's future uncertain, they desperately need reinforcements.

Interim manager Ralf Rangnick has highlighted the need for two strikers this summer. The German told Manchester United's official website earlier this month:

"Cristiano isn’t a central striker or does not want to play in that position. It’s obvious the club needs at least two new strikers who give this team more quality and more options. I wouldn’t even call it wingers.
"Two strikers and modern strikers, that do not necessarily have to be wingers. If you look into international football, there aren’t many top teams who still play with two strikers. Most play with either three strikers or a false nine."

Erik ten Hag is known to play a high-intensity game that includes pressing from the front. Hence, a 19-year-old Ekitike does fit the description the club might be looking for.

However, while €15 million may not be a problem for Manchester United, the Frenchman could choose a club with Champions League football. The Red Devils won't be able to offer that next season as they are currently sixth in the Premier League. They are five points off fourth-placed Arsenal and have played two more games.

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Edited by Rachel Syiemlieh