Why Man United must attempt to sign AC Milan striker Krzysztof Piatek

According to The Independent, Manchester United are interested in signing AC Milan striker Krzysztof Piatek on loan this month. Chelsea also remain interested in the player as AC Milan attempt to raise funds through the striker’s sale this month.

Krzysztof Piatek, 24, only signed for AC Milan from Genoa a year ago and he impressed with 11 goals in 21 games. However, Milan have since re-signed Zlatan Ibrahimovic and the burly Swede has become Stefano Pioli’s first-choice striker. As a result, Piatek has fallen out of favour at San Siro.

Manchester United have not enjoyed a smooth sailing season, with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side currently placed 5th in the table — six points adrift of fourth-placed Chelsea. The midfield has been a concern ever since the likes of Marouane Fellaini and Ander Herrera departed. And injuries to Paul Pogba and Scott McTominay have only deepened Solskjaer’s midfield issues.

In the forward department, United failed to bring in a replacement for Romelu Lukaku, who left for Inter Milan before the start of the season. And Alexis Sanchez’s loan move to Inter has also left them with just a few options up front.

Now, Marcus Rashford sustained a back injury earlier this month, leaving them with just Mason Greenwood, Daniel James and Anthony Martial as senior forwards to call upon. Although Greenwood is too young to lead the line, the teenager has done brilliantly whenever called upon. He is still a work in progress and Solskjaer cannot rely on him to deliver the goals every single time.

United have managed only 36 goals in 24 league games and with Rashford on the sidelines, Solskjaer must attempt to sign a forward before Friday’s transfer deadline. To that end, Krzysztof Piatek would be a viable solution to the Red Devils’ goalscoring woes.

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Piatek has scored four goals in 18 league appearances for Milan, struggling to replicate his last season’s success where he netted 11 times in 21 games. Nevertheless, the Pole is a proven striker in the Serie A and has been capped 10 times at the international level. He would not only add quality to Solskjaer’s attacking ranks but also some much-needed depth to the squad.

Verdict

With the Red Devils in dire need of a forward following Rashford’s long-term injury, the time is ripe to make an attempt to sign Piatek.