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Man United considering three of Bundesliga’s brightest sharpshooters as Joshua Zirkzee’s replacement
Aug 29 2026 06:47 · By onefootball.com · 3 Reads
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Apart from a left-back, Manchester United are also planning to recruit a backup striker provided Joshua Zirkzee leaves.
Fiorentina are leading the race, while Juventus are also in the mix. There is no guarantee that the Dutchman departs, but should he do so, INEOS will look to sign a replacement.
The co-owners are unlikely to spend big, and they are looking at loan options with a swap deal offer also on the cards.
Alexander Sorloth is one name being considered, with his considerable experience seen as an advantage alongside Benjamin Sesko.
Younger alternatives also on United’s radar
Interestingly, the Red Devils have also considered a number of younger options like Freiburg’s Igor Matanovic, Hoffenheim’s Fisnik Asllani and RB Leipzig’s Conrad Harder, as per TEAMtalk.
“A number of younger options have also been discussed, with TEAMtalk able to confirm that Freiburg’s Igor Matanovic, Hoffenheim’s Fisnik Asllani and RB Leipzig’s Conrad Harder have all been considered.
“However, Sorloth is now another experienced option on United’s radar, and his willingness to return to England could make the situation one to watch in the final days of the window.”
The Croatian is not a new name, but the other two are absolutely left-additions.
Two brand-new names added to the mix
Hoffenheim’s Asllani, 24, is a Kosovo international who scored 11 goals in all competitions last season while also contributing 10 assists.
As for Harder, the former Sporting CP ace contributed three goals and four assists in his debut Bundesliga campaign last season and has begun the new campaign with a goal on his first appearance.
Both would have cost far more than INEOS are prepared to spend, which explains why the younger alternatives were not pursued seriously.
The Old Trafford side want a backup for Sesko, someone who can show the Slovenian the ropes while sharing his burden.
A young striker would have wanted regular minutes and might have stalled Sesko’s progress. It will be interesting to see which striker INEOS can sign before the end of the window.