Manchester United`s persistent quest for a world-class, reliable goalscorer has been a dominant storyline over recent seasons. Chief among their targets, famously, was England captain Harry Kane in the summer of 2023. Despite their keen interest, Kane ultimately opted for a move to German giants Bayern Munich, where he has continued to deliver remarkable numbers, serving as a somewhat painful reminder of the firepower United seemingly lacked.
Indeed, United`s attacking output last season underscored this deficiency, with a comparatively low goal tally of just 44 in the Premier League. The contributions from current strikers, including Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee (who has also been linked), did not consistently provide the clinical edge necessary at the highest level, highlighting the urgent need for reinforcement upfront.
The Serbian Prospect: Dusan Vlahovic Emerges
Amidst the ongoing transfer speculation, attention has now reportedly turned towards Dusan Vlahovic, the 25-year-old Serbian international forward plying his trade at Juventus. According to recent reports, talks have commenced between Manchester United and the Serie A club regarding a potential transfer. Adding an intriguing layer to the negotiations, discussions are said to involve the possibility of a swap deal that could see United`s out-of-favour winger Jadon Sancho move to Turin.
Vlahovic, who scored 17 goals across all competitions for Juventus in the 2024/25 season, is reportedly determined to continue his career in Europe, having declined approaches from the Saudi Arabian league. This signals his ambition to compete at the top level, a trait United will undoubtedly find appealing.
A Statistical Comparison: Vlahovic vs. Kane
While landing the genuine article remains the dream for many supporters, the club appears to be evaluating Vlahovic as a forward who could replicate aspects of Kane`s impact. Some analysts have drawn comparisons between the Serbian and the former Tottenham star.
Looking at their per-90-minute statistics from the 2024/25 season (acknowledging Kane had a more prolific overall campaign), Vlahovic presents some interesting metrics that suggest he is more than just a penalty-box poacher. Both players registered an identical 1.7 shots on target per 90, indicating a similar level of direct threat on goal once positioned to shoot. However, Vlahovic demonstrated superiority in several physical and ball-carrying metrics:
| Statistics (per 90) | Vlahovic (2024/25) | Kane (2024/25) |
|---|---|---|
| Shots on target | 1.7 | 1.7 |
| Aerials won | 2 | 1.1 |
| Progressive carries | 2.4 | 1.1 |
| Carries into opposition box | 0.9 | 0.7 |
| Take-ons completed | 1.4 | 0.8 |
(Note: Kane significantly leads in total goals/assists due to playing more games and having an exceptionally high conversion rate)
Vlahovic won nearly double the number of aerial duels per 90 compared to Kane, suggesting a greater presence and effectiveness in the air, which could be crucial for holding up the ball and providing a target. Furthermore, his higher numbers for progressive carries, carries into the box, and successful take-ons indicate a forward with the capability to drive forward with the ball and penetrate the final third, offering a dynamic threat beyond just finishing.
A Promising Fit for United`s Needs?
These statistics, particularly his proficiency in carrying the ball and aerial duels, paint a picture of Vlahovic as a potentially versatile attacking player. His ability to act as a focal point while also being capable of transitioning play and engaging defenders aligns well with the likely requirements for a Manchester United number nine. The moniker “world-class,” attributed by journalist Matteo Bonetti, reflects the high regard in which his technical and physical profile is held.
Given the clear and present need for a consistent goal threat and Vlahovic`s reported availability and willingness to pursue a move to a top European club, a deal for the Serbian appears to be a strategically sensible target for Manchester United this summer. While he may not arrive with the Premier League pedigree of Harry Kane, Vlahovic possesses a skillset that could provide the much-needed cutting edge and physical presence in attack. If he can adapt to English football and maintain his form, he could indeed be the player to finally provide the consistent goals and lead the line effectively for the Red Devils.
