Manchester United have reportedly been in talks with Atletico Madrid over a £30m move for former Chelsea striker Alvaro Morata.
The Red Devils are looking for a leader amid uncertainty over Cristiano Ronaldo’s future, Marcus Rashford’s links with Paris Saint-Germain and Anthony Martial’s injury.
All three are expected to stay at Old Trafford, but manager Erik ten Hag was forced to use Christian Eriksen as a false nine in the 2-1 home loss to Brighton on the opening day and fans are increasingly more restless.
United saw a £6.75million bid for former Stoke and West Ham striker Marko Arnautovic rejected by Bologna and ended their interest after a backlash from fans.
Now the club could turn to ex-Chelsea striker Morata, according to The Athletic.
The Spain international, 29, has spent the last two seasons on loan at Juventus after returning to Atletico Madrid from Chelsea in 2020.
With one year remaining on Morata’s contract at the Metropolitano stadium, it’s understood Atleti are keen to sell.
Despite a brilliant start at Chelsea, Morata endured a nightmare at Stamford Bridge and his Premier League struggles will not fill fans with optimism.
However, Aston Villa legend Gabby Agbonlahor insists the Old Trafford faithful must adapt to less exciting times.
Agbonlahor told talkSPORT Breakfast: “I don’t know who Man United fans think they are. Arnautovic makes this team a better team.
“They need to stop living in the Fergie years. Man United now are a club that cannot attract the best players.
“I prefer Arnautovic in my team than Jadon Sancho at the moment.
“If he makes this team better for a season, bring him in. It’s the manager’s choice, no matter what the fans think.
“After scoring two goals they will change their minds. They don’t shop at Harrods anymore, they are in a different place.
“These top players they’re interested in, they probably don’t want to go. Why would you go to a club in the Europa League and join such an average, mediocre group of players?
“Who else wants to come to Man United? They can’t have De Jong, they look at Rabiot who isn’t the same player as before, it’s like they’re panicking.
“It’s their reality now, they can’t go out and get the best players they want. De Jong would rather stay at Barcelona or go to Chelsea than Manchester United.
“Arsenal got Gabriel Jesus early, Man City got Erling Haaland, Liverpool got Darwin Nunez – who is out there who will come to Manchester United as a marquee signing? They don’t want to come!
“It’s a different Manchester United now – that’s what their fans need to understand. They don’t buy elite players anymore and they won’t attract the best players.
“If the players want Champions League football or see a project like Arsenal under Mikel Arteta, they’re going to pick the top five teams right now ahead of Manchester United.”
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