Manchester United will be on the lookout for a new striker during the summer transfer window, following the announcement that Edinson Cavani will depart the club at the end of his contract.

Cavani joined United on a free transfer from Paris Saint-Germain in October 2020 and has been an effective backup option for the club over the last 18 months. However, he has battled for game time this season and has chosen to quit the club when his contract expires on July 1. According to Fabrizio Romano, his destination as a free agent will be announced shortly.

While Cavani was rarely Ralf Rangnick's or Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's first choice, he has proven to be a valuable addition to United. He has 19 goals and seven assists in 55 games, and his departure will create a void in the squad that must be filled.

There are more justifications for reinforcements. Cristiano Ronaldo is 37 years old and about to reach the final year of his United deal, while Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial, who is now on loan at Sevilla, have their futures in doubt. With Mason Greenwood down and Anthony Elanga still finding his feet, a new established striker appears to be required.

While United's hunt for a new manager takes precedence at the moment, the necessity for a striker should not be overlooked. The following are some of the summertime possibilities the team should examine.

Kane, Harry

Kane fought tooth and nail to join Manchester City in the summer, but it now appears as though United is a more likely destination. As The Mirror reported exclusively, City's interest on Erling Haaland may have opened the door for United.

Kane will be 29 in July and enter the final two years of his Spurs deal, forcing chairman Daniel Levy to make a decision about his most valuable asset. The England captain has expressed a desire to play Champions League football - something United may be able to give next season, with Spurs presently seventh in the Premier League.

Erling Haaland Haaland is expected to be the most sought-after player during the summer transfer window, owing in large part to the £63 million (€75 million) release clause in his Borussia Dortmund contract. Man City are said to be the frontrunners in the race to sign him, although Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Bayern Munich have all expressed interest.

Haaland's credentials are self-evident. The 21-year-old has 80 goals in 80 games for Dortmund and is firmly established as Europe's finest young talent, alongside Kylian Mbappe. While the competition is high, United would be dumb not to at least attempt to enter the queue given his price tag.

Isak Alexander

Isak, a Real Sociedad striker, was heavily linked with Arsenal during the January transfer window but ultimately remained at Real Sociedad. According to Spanish daily Mundo Deportivo, Arsenal had a £60 million bid rejected outright by La Real, who are protected by a £76 million buyout clause.

Although the 22-year-old has not yet reached the heights of last season, he has seven goals and two assists in 30 games for the Spanish side this season. Isak already has extensive international experience with Sweden, and his overall record for Real Sociedad of 41 goals in 121 appearances is quite good for such a young player.

Lewandowski, Robert
Lewandowski is the closest thing to a goal-scoring surety that money can buy at the moment. He has scored an absurd 29 goals in 26 Bundesliga matches for Bayern Munich this season and could be on his way out this summer, with his contract expiring in June 2023.

United have been connected with the Polish international, with Lewandowski reportedly'surprised' he hasn't been offered a new deal yet, but he would only be a short-term option given his 34th birthday this summer. His appointment as Cavani's replacement would only serve to exacerbate the issue of Old Trafford's ageing strikers.

Calvert-Lewin, Dominic

Dominic Calvert-Lewin could be available if Everton get relegated ( Image: REUTERS)
Calvert-Lewin has regularly been linked with a move away from Everton, but those speculations could finally come to fruition this summer, with Frank Lampard’s team in severe threat of relegation. The 24-year-old’s season has been disrupted by injury, however he hit 16 goals in the Premier League in 2020/21 and might fit United perfectly.

Everton are now marginally clear of the relegation zone in 17th position, but have lost their previous four league matches without scoring and are now level on points with Watford below them. If the unimaginable does happen and they are demoted then the Toffees would struggle to keep onto Calvert-Lewin, who is under contract until June 2025.

Moussa Dembele

Lyon forward Dembele has been garnering attention from United this season, with the Daily Mail reporting that the club had dispatched scouts to watch him play recently. The 25-year-old striker is in the final 18 months of his contract and may be available for as little as £25m if Lyon decide to cash in this summer.

Dembele has nine goals in 19 Ligue 1 appearances this season and has played in the Champions League. Dembele might be a nice choice for United as a younger – and less expensive – option.

David Jonathan

David is another Ligue 1 option for United, having spent several seasons with Lille. The 22-year-old Canada international has 16 goals in 36 appearances this season and has recently been linked with Arsenal and Newcastle.

David is under contract until June 2025, and with Renato Sanches and Sven Botman both generating interest, Lille may be hesitant to sell David at the season's conclusion.