Manchester United are in the race to sign one of Europe’s most talented young forwards, with a foray into the transfer market expected in the forthcoming window. 

What’s the word?

According to Corriere dello Sport, United boss Erik ten Hag is among the growing list of managers interested in the services of Dusan Vlahovic, who has also garnered attention from fellow Premier League giants Arsenal and Chelsea. 

Despite only signing for Juventus in a £66.6mdeal from Fiorentina in January 2021, the forward is open to a move away from the Old Lady, who have failed to win the past two league titles after nine in a row from 2012 to 2020, also sitting ten points behind leaders Napoli this term. 

With the Red Devils searching for a new striker following the acrimonious departure of Cristiano Ronaldo last month, who agreed a mutual termination of his contract following an explosive interview with Piers Morgan, Vlahovic could fit the profile of centre-forward that the club are seeking. 

United’s next Van Nistelrooy 

Juventus are understandably said to be reluctant to wave goodbye to their most coveted offensive asset, but with the Turin club currently plagued by financial difficulties, an enticing offer might be too good to refuse. 

Vlahovic has been in fine form in 2022/23, scoring seven goals and setting up two more from 15 appearances across all competitions. Last season, departing Fiorentina for Juventus midway trhough, the 22-year-old scored 29 goals and supplied six assists from 45appearances, alerting the major players across the continent to his prowess.

Should Ten Hag surge towards a deal for the phenomenon, he could bring a potent attacking force to the the Premier League, with the 19-capSerbian – scoring ten goals for his country – already demonstrating an innate ability in front of goal which sets him head and shoulders above most positional peers. 

FBref ranks Vlahovic within the top 19% of forwards for rate of non-penalty goals over the past year, while also highligting his relentless pressure in the opposition penalty box by ranking him within the top 11% for total shots. 

The marksmanship of the “monster” (as dubbed by his former coach Ivan Tomic) certainly bears a resemblance to a former Old Trafford striking sensation in Ruud van Nistelrooy, who etched his name into Premier League folklore with his devastating clinical ability, earning a reputation as one of the best goal-poachers in the game. 

The deadly Dutchman bagged 150 goals and 25 assists across 219 outings for the Manchester giants, winning the Premier League, FA Cup and League Cup during his time at the club.