Last season, Manchester United scored fifty-seven times, which was good enough to tie Crystal Palace for 10th in the league. Ten of those goals came from Rasmus Hojlund, the team’s sole striker. For context, fourteen center forwards scored more, including two at City. It was clear going into the summer that the Reds needed more goals coming from the number nine.
The first transfer move of the summer brought Joshua Zirkzee to Old Trafford. The 23-year-old is talented but came to the club with just 31 league goals to his name, with 15 of those coming in the Belgian League. The signing made sense, as Zirkzee will likely develop into a good player for United.
The problem is not the signing of Zirkzee. The problem is that Manchester United did not sign an experienced goalscorer along with the Dutch international.
Between Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee, Manchester United’s strikers have a career total of 203 matches played, with a combined 61 goals scored in all competitions. Meanwhile, across more than 400 matches, Ivan Toney, who was available this summer, has scored more than 160 times.
Experience is important for center forwards who, as time goes on, have better awareness and an understanding of positioning in attack. This leads to more consistent finishing and more quality chances. Even the most talented young strikers struggle early on or are more streaky (like Hojlund last season.) Erling Haaland is the exception, not the norm.
Now, three games into the new Premier League season, United has scored twice, with one goal from Amad Diallo and another from Joshua Zirkzee.
Manchester United had ample opportunity to pursue a proven goalscorer this summer and elected not to. Early indications show that may have been a critical oversight if United wants to compete with the best this season. Should the club look for another more seasoned striker in January?
Stats obtained from Transfermarkt.
United Beyond Manchester 
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