Manchester United fell to their second consecutive defeat below the brand new reign of boss Ruben Amorim with a 3-2 dwelling defeat to Nottingham Forest.
That defeat leaves United in thirteenth place within the desk and a niche of six factors has already opened up from the European spots.
The Purple Devils dominated the sport at Previous Trafford: that they had 71% of possession, 17 purpose makes an attempt and extra nook kicks than their opponents Forest.
But, regardless of their dominance, the Purple Devils went on to lose the sport and it as soon as once more highlighted a obvious gap within the centre-forward place that Amorim must fill if he’s to show round United’s fortunes.
Present centre forwards Joshua Zirkzee and Rasmus Hojlund have scored just five Premier League goals between them this season and regardless of Hojlund bagging on Saturday night time, many consider the shortage of high quality on this space is costing United factors.
Zirkzee and Hojlund improve being lined up
Based on TBR Soccer, Dusan Vlahovic is a striker that Manchester United are keeping tabs on and stay fascinated with ought to any potential deal come up.
Serie A’s highest-paid participant at £200k-a-week, is at present stalling on a brand new contract together with his present deal operating out in 2026.
Juventus need their frontman to take a pay lower to mirror his underwhelming performances since becoming a member of the Bianconeri, one thing Vlahovic is reluctant to do.
United are one in every of many golf equipment remaining attentive to the scenario and will swoop if Juventus resolve to money in on the striker with a purpose to recoup as a lot of their £70m outlay as doable.
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How Vlahovic compares to Zirkzee and Hojlund
Vlahovic has been in respectable type for Juventus this season, scoring six goals in 13 Serie A appearances and including an extra three objectives within the Champions League.
The Serbian striker has scored greater than Zirkzee and Hojlund mixed this time period, nevertheless, it’s not simply objectives the place the Juventus man could be an improve on United’s present attacking duo.
Vlahovic vs Zirkzee and Hojlund in 2024/25 |
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---|---|---|---|
Stat |
Vlahovic |
Zirkzee |
Hojlund |
Minutes performed |
1065 |
594 |
607 |
Anticipated Targets (xG) |
8.3 |
3.0 |
1.8 |
Progressive passes obtained (PrgR) |
53 |
26 |
26 |
Progressive carries |
10 |
4 |
10 |
Touches |
277 |
247 |
165 |
Aerial Duels received |
46.2% |
34.3% |
25% |
Set-piece clearances |
8 |
2 |
2 |
From the above desk, it’s clear that Vlahovic could be higher suited to enjoying the quantity 9 position at Previous Trafford. From these stats, you possibly can start to see why Vlahovic has been labelled as “more complete than Haaland” by Serbian FA president Nenad Bjekovic.
Vlahovic has performed extra minutes than each Zirkzee and Hojlund this season and leads the best way on anticipated objectives (xG) with 8.3 for this season.
Being that point of interest is one thing that United have been searching for of their striker so with Vlahovic popping out on prime in progressive passes obtained and aerial duels received, he’s proving that he could also be extra of a handful for Premier League defenders.
As well as, the Serbian has had extra touches than each his United counterparts this season and could be a great linkman for the likes of Bruno Fernandes, Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho to bounce off and hyperlink with.
Moreover, the Juve star appears to additionally add worth in United’s personal field with their current set-piece troubles being highlighted; the Serb having made eight set-piece clearances this season.
It stays to be seen whether or not a deal will be struck between the 2 golf equipment however it’s evident that Vlahovic could be that point of interest that Amorim is desperately craving at first of his Manchester United reign.
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