With Manchester United close to acquiring the signature of Romelu Lukaku from Everton this summer, the Belgian is already being seen as a key player by many fans. The 24-year-old will succeed the influential Zlatan Ibrahimovic at the club where he scored as many as 28 goals in all competitions last season and has now left, after not having renewed his deal.
Before Ibrahimovic and Lukaku though, the club were fortunate enough to have a host of wonderfully gifted strikers, who earned laurels for the club during their stay in the Greater half of Manchester.
Also read: Manchester United agree fee for Everton's Romelu Lukaku - club
Many of them, apart from goals, had the swagger about him that made them go down in history as legends of the game. Some, like Radamel Falcao, did falter, but some prospered.
We run the rule over the best strikers that Manchester United have had in recent times.
#5 Dimitar Berbatov
When Manchester United were touted to struggle for goals during the time when Wayne Rooney was injured and out of form for a majority of the 2010-11 campaign, Dimitar Berbatov stepped up to the plate and proved why the Red Devils had shelled out big money on the former Tottenham Hotspur superstar.
Berbatov is still remembered for the class and swagger he oozed, despite not being the most hardworking player on the pitch. He made up for his inability to break a sweat by using his impeccable ball control and nous in front of goal to dazzle and leave fans wondering as to how he pulled things off.
The Bulgarian was signed in 2008 from White Hart Lane, but he enjoyed the best goalscoring season in the 2010-11 campaign, when he scored 21 goals in the league. He also became the Premier League's highest scorer that season, tied at the top with former United striker Carlos Tevez. His hat-trick against Liverpool at Old Trafford is fondly remembered by many as one of Berbatov's best performances not just in a United shirt, but overall as well.
The forward did fade off in the 2011-12 campaign, but his grace and languid swagger made him really special. He was a wee cool as well.
#4 Javier Hernandez
While Little Pea was never handed enough first-team opportunities to prove his mettle at Manchester United, he still has managed to make sure that Red Devils fans have reserved a special place in their hearts for the Mexican.
Having arrived from Guadalajara in 2010, Chicharito scored on his debut against Chelsea in the Community Shield and always came up with vital goals, especially under Sir Alex Ferguson during the 2012-13 season. His size, ability to find spaces and run in behind defenses was always a threat to the opposition and he soon became a loved figure at Manchester United throughout his spell.
Also read: 5 of the most underrated goals ever scored
While he never really got enough starts to prove himself, Chicharito earned the tag of being a perfect super-sub and is known for scoring loads of goals after coming on. Be it his hat-trick against Aston Villa at Villa Park or his late winner at Old Trafford against Newcastle, Chicharito will forever be remembered as the legend that never was.
#3 Wayne Rooney
It'd be worth arguing that Wayne Rooney could well be top of this list, but the fact that he hasn't played as a striker regularly after the 2011-12 campaign made sure that he was used primarily as a midfielder, wide or in the central midfield. Despite that, Rooney's excellence in whatever position he plays in takes him upto third, if not first.
Currently the club's highest goalscorer with 253 strikes, Rooney was a regular before the recently concluded 2016-17 campaign and was always there when the fans wanted him. Be it under David Moyes, Louis van Gaal or Sir Alex, Rooney gave his all for the club and while his stock has fallen over the years, his commitment to the club that he joined in 2004 never deterred.
Now close to an exit, Rooney will go down in history as a legend and one of the best players the club has ever had.
#2 Zlatan Ibrahimovic
The Big Swede was at the club for only a season, but that was enough to capture the imaginations of United fans worldwide. He hasn't renewed his contract and isn't going to play for United from next season, but the influence he had during the short-spell at Old Trafford defined his character.
Also read: 10 of the greatest English Premier League debuts
Before succumbing to a knee ligament injury that will keep him out for this year, Ibrahimovic found the back of the net as many as 28 times in all competitions for Jose Mourinho's men, playing a part in helping them win their first ever Europa League title and scored twice in the League Cup final against Southampton as well to clinch the trophy.
His presence and swagger reminded many of Eric Cantona and the goals increased that feeling all the more.
#1 Robin van Persie
Probably one of the greatest strikers ever in Premier League history, Robin van Persie graced the famed red jersey back in 2012, leaving many shocked on his move from arch-rivals Arsenal. The little boy inside him propelled him into almost single-handedly changing the course of his debut campaign with United.
Van Persie scored as many as 26 times for United in the Premier League, 29 times in all competitions and won Sir Alex his 13th ever league title during his last season in-charge of Manchester United. It was a journey downhill since then though, but the Dutchman always came up with glimpses of pure magic throughout his stay, writing his name in the annals of United history.
Currently plying his trade with Fenerbahce in Turkey, van Persie's return to Old Trafford last season in the Europa League was a moment to rejoice for the home fans. United won the game 4-1, with the Dutchman scoring the only goal for the Turkish side. It's different though, that it seemed like a 5-0 win to many.
