“The strikers we have are not what we need. We need attackers like Wayne Rooney and Christiano Ronaldo. The only player that plays like them are in Italy. I recommended him to the staffs a d they all loved him immediately, which means we are going to sign him”- Man Utd ‘step up’ bid to sign January transfer target after ‘personal recommendation from Ruud van Nistelrooy’

Manchester United have reportedly ramped up their efforts to acquire a top striker target, following a suggestion from assistant manager Ruud van Nistelrooy.

Van Nistelrooy, 48, rejoined the club earlier this summer after being initially linked with replacing Erik ten Hag. Since his return, the former Dutch international has been actively working with forwards Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee. However, following Anthony Martial’s summer departure, concerns have emerged about United’s attacking depth.

Manager Erik ten Hag has even utilized club captain Bruno Fernandes in a false nine role as he seeks the right attacking balance. Despite the club signing five new players in the summer—including Leny Yoro, Matthijs De Ligt, Manuel Ugarte, Noussair Mazraoui, and Zirkzee—the attack remains a focal point.

According to *Football Transfers*, United have made early strides in their pursuit of Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic, with van Nistelrooy advocating for the club to act. Vlahovic, who was previously a target for Arsenal before joining Juventus in January 2022, was also linked to United last year.

Although United chose to sign Hojlund, enhancing their attacking options continues to be a priority. Vlahovic has started the season well, netting two goals in three games under Juventus’ new manager, Thiago Motta. The 24-year-old Serbian international, with 30 caps for his country, has a notable European record from his time at Fiorentina.

Despite his previous statements about his contentment at Juventus and having two years remaining on his contract, Vlahovic’s situation could shift if United advance their interest. In December 2023, he mentioned to Italian media, “I still have two and a half years left on my contract, we’re in no rush, but Giuntoli and my agent are already talking. I’m very happy to be here.”

Interestingly, former Juventus teammate Federico Chiesa also recently moved to the Premier League, joining Liverpool during the summer transfer window.