Manchester United need attacking reinforcements in January.

Players such as Joao Felix, Memphis Depay, Marcus Thuram and Youssoufa Moukoko have been linked – all for around a fee of £15m – making it clear that United are looking at a low-cost option in January to add another option alongside Anthony Martial.

The Times reported that to that end, AC Milan striker Olivier Giroud is on United’s radar. The 36-year-old striker has been in great form for the Serie A side this season scoring nine goals and he also was crucial to France’s run to the final in the 2022 World Cup.

His goalscoring ability will be well known to United fans due to his time at Arsenal and Chelsea – pulling out the most outrageous finishes to carry his team over the line at times, but what Erik ten Hag will be interested in addition to this is what else he offers.

Giroud has a presence when he steps on the football field, he is always in defenders’ minds and he occupies them, which creates space for his teammates. He also has great hold-up play and is able to bring the other attackers into the game easily.

Also as an experienced member of the squad, the 36-year-old brings a level head to the attack, calming the younger more impulsive attackers he is usually partnered with.

In fact, in many ways he is very similar to former United player and his current AC Milan teammate Zlatan Ibrahimovic – on the pitch at least – and if he joined he could have a similar impact to the one the Swedish striker had when he joined the club under Jose Mourinho.

In the single season he was fully fit, Ibrahimovicscored 28 goals and registered 10 assists in all competitions. He also lifted the Europa League and League Cup for his efforts.