GENK, BELGIUM - NOVEMBER 27: Patson Daka of RB Salzburg celebrates scoring a goal of the game during the UEFA Champions League group E match between KRC Genk and RB Salzburg at Luminus Arena on November 27, 2019 in Genk, Belgium. (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images)
According to The Mirror, Manchester United have been mentioned among the potential suitors for in-demand RB Salzburg striker Patson Daka in the January window. Premier League rivals Arsenal and Liverpool are also in the race to sign the 22-year-old, who has been in blistering form for the Austrian giants this season.
The Zambian international completed his development at Nchanga Rangers and Kafue Celtic in his homeland before moving to Europe with Salzburg’s feeder club FC Liefering in Austria’s second-tier in 2017. A year later, he made the step-up to the Salzburg’s first team and shot to prominence with his 27-goal haul in all competitions last term.
Daka has continued to rack up eye-watering numbers in Austria this season. The highly-rated centre-forward has plundered 15 goals and 7 assists in just 17 games so far, putting several elite clubs across the continent on red alert. The Zambian has several years remaining on his contract until 2024 but it’s hard to envisage him staying put for that long if he continues to impress.
Meanwhile, Man United have really put the foot on the accelerator heading into a hectic winter schedule after enduring a sluggish start to their campaign. Having suffered a disappointing exit from the group stages of the Champions League, the Red Devils have established themselves as genuine title contenders in the Premier League this term.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side have enjoyed a 10-game unbeaten run in the Premier League, winning 8 of their fixtures over that period. That has left them 2nd in the standings, with 33 points amassed from 16 games, level with defending champions Liverpool. United, though, have a game in hand and win over Burnley next week could be enough to see them leapfrog Klopp’s brigade.
Putting things into perspective, Man United need not prioritise a move for Patson Daka in January or next summer as they already have enough depth up top. The Red Devils boast two of the best young centre-forwards in the form of Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford.
Teenager Mason Greenwood has also progressed by leaps and bounds over the past year. The 19-year-old caught the eye with his 17-goal haul in all competitions last term, which prompted England boss Gareth Southgate to hand him his international debut. With Edinson Cavani also proving his worth as a match-winner, United are currently very well-stocked in the striking department.
An immediate swoop for Daka, to that end, wouldn’t make much sense. It’s true that the Zambian has been banging in goals left, right and centre in Austria but the level of competition in the Premier League is a lot higher. Taking that into consideration, Daka certainly needs a stepping stone to take his game to the next level before embarking on a journey in English football.
Also, it’s hard to see how Daka would fit into Solskjaer’s immediate plans at Old Trafford. Granted, he’d represent a good long-term signing but the striker needs regular game time to continue his development down the right path. That seems unlikely to happen at United, at least, for the time being.
Truth be told, Man United would be better served by looking for some out-and-out wingers to bolster their attack. With three specialist centre-forwards already competing for places, bringing in another player in that department should hardly be a pressing concern for Solskjaer. Having said that, the Red Devils should keep their eyes off the Zambian, despite his obvious talent and potential.