Ally McCoist has named a left-field option Manchester United should try and sign to help Rasmus Hojlund develop his game.
United are looking at bringing in another frontman this summer to replace Anthony Martial. The Frenchman left Old Trafford at the end of the season when his contract expired, leaving Hojlund as the club’s only recognisable No.9.
Bologna striker Joshua Zirkzee, Lille’s Jonathan David and Brentford man Ivan Toney are believed to be on a three-man shortlist drawn up by Ineos. But another option is Borussia Dortmund hitman Niklas Fullkrug, who has been one of the Bundesliga’s biggest successes over the last few years.
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A late bloomer, Fullkrug, now 31, earned a £11million move to Dortmund after a superb season at Werder Bremen. The striker scored 12 times last season to earn a place in Germany’s Euro 2024 squad.
Signing one of Europe’s most prolific strikers for a significant fee isn’t an option for United and someone like Fullkrug is seen by many observers as an attainable and low-risk investment. It is a view that former Scotland star McCoist agrees with.
“I really like him. If I was at Manchester United, I would bring Niclas Fullkrug in and I don’t even think it would be a gamble,” said McCoist, peaking to BoyleSports, who offer the latest Euro 2024 betting.
“He is scoring goals for Borussia Dortmund and for Germany, he’s got the track record that indicates he can score goals. He is no-nonsense.”
It is not the first time McCoist has waxed lyrical about the German frontman. Speaking to TNT Sport before Euro 2024 kicked off, he said the player’s aggression and touch have marked him out as someone to keep an eye on.
“I’m a fan of Niclas Fullkrug,” McCoist told TNT Sports. “Nothing wrong with an old-fashioned centre forward that can play.
“Every time I’ve seen Fullkrug, he’s impressed me. His game knowledge is good, his touch is excellent, he can finish, he’s aggressive… I think he’s a good player.”
Fullkrug starred for Dortmund in their run to the Champions League final last season, providing his side with a focal point and a menacing presence in the opposition’s box. He finished his first Bundesliga season with Dortmund as the club’s second-highest league scorer with 12 goals.
He immediately took that form into the Euros, with a great strike against Scotland as hosts Germany won their opening game 5-1.
At 6ft 2in, Fullkrug represents a different option and his experience and physicality could help the callow Hojlund, still learning the game, develop into an all-round centre forward.
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