Manchester United Consider Alexander Sorloth as New Striker Option

Manchester United have been handed the chance to move for Alexander Sorloth as their search for a new centre-forward intensifies in the final days of the window.

Fresh from splashing £70million on Carlos Baleba from Brighton, United’s recruitment team are scrambling to deliver a striker and a left-back before Tuesday’s deadline. Michael Carrick wants cover and competition for Benjamin Sesko through the middle and another option to push Luke Shaw at left-back.

The urgency up front has been created by Joshua Zirkzee’s situation. According to Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio, the Dutchman has given the green light to return to Serie A with Fiorentina. The Italian club have gone as far as sending United a loan proposal that includes an option to buy next summer.

United have been doing their homework on alternatives. Freiburg’s Igor Matanovic has been sounded out. So has Crystal Palace forward Jean-Philippe Mateta, who is open to a move.

Sorloth put on the table

Sources have told TEAMtalk that intermediaries have “offered” Alexander Sorloth to United as a solution. The 6ft 5in Norwegian is a classic No 9, a penalty-box focal point with a serious track record: 175 goals in 475 senior games.

He ticks the profile United have been working to — a specialist centre-forward who can challenge Sesko immediately and step in without disrupting the structure of the team. Crucially, Sorloth is understood to be open to leaving Atletico Madrid and would welcome a second crack at the Premier League.

His first spell in England barely got going. On Palace’s books from January 2018 to September 2020, he managed only 20 appearances, spending much of that period out on loan at Gent and Trabzonspor. A move to Old Trafford would offer him a far grander stage — and the chance to rewrite his Premier League story.

Atletico are prepared to cash in at the right price. Sorloth is under contract until June 2028, so they are in no rush, and any sale is likely to depend on them lining up a replacement first. Their shortlist includes Arsenal’s Gabriel Jesus and Juventus forward Jonathan David.

For now, the exact fee Diego Simeone’s side would demand remains unclear.

Atletico juggling futures

Sorloth is not the only forward in the spotlight at Atletico. Barcelona and Arsenal are both pushing to sign his team-mate Julian Alvarez, but the Rojiblancos insist the Argentine will not be sold.

Alvarez has publicly stated he wants a transfer, a stance that has infuriated sections of the Atletico fanbase and added another layer of tension to a complicated end to the window.

United, watching closely, know that any movement in Madrid’s attacking department could open or close doors very quickly.

Loan or permanent? United weigh their move

Inside Old Trafford, there is an acceptance that another striker is likely to arrive before the deadline — but the mechanism is still being debated.

Speaking on the Talk of the Devils podcast, Laurie Whitwell said: “Loan is what I have heard in terms of incoming.” Andy Mitten echoed the sense that late business is increasingly likely: “Will we see new players come in? I think it’s increasing, I think it’s a possibility. I don’t know if the player would be signed or loaned. If you lose a striker, United look light up top.”

That is the reality facing Carrick and the recruitment team. Zirkzee is edging towards the exit. The squad already feels thin in the No 9 position. Sorloth is there, on the table, a ready-made target man with something to prove.

With the clock ticking towards Tuesday night, United must decide: do they gamble on a short-term loan, or commit to a full-blooded move for a striker who could redefine their attack?