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View: Manchester United striker situation could be solved by starlet Charlie McNeill
Comment by Sean Fisher
After scoring over 600 goals at youth level for Manchester City, Charlie McNeill made a £750,000 switch to Manchester United, where he is edging closer to the first team.
It’s no secret that Manchester United need a new striker, but could their Cristiano Ronaldo replacement come in the shape of an 18-year-old former Manchester City starlet? We think so.
Erik ten Hag’s reign at Old Trafford started with a wobble, but their recent 2-1 victory over Liverpool has helped to set the Dutchman back on track as he attempts to return the glory days to the Red Devils.
However, United’s victory over Liverpool also showed that the side play far better without Ronaldo. The 37-year-old will always be remembered as one of the sport’s greatest ever players, but age is catching up to him, and he simply doesn’t fit Ten Hag’s style of play.
Instead, United look far better with a mobile, youthful and energetic striker leading the side. Anthony Martial looks set to claim the spot as his own for the remainder of the season, but the Frenchman could face competition in the shape of McNeill.
McNeill started his career in the Manchester United youth setup but moved to rivals Manchester City in 2014. There, he scored over 600 goals for various academy sides and caught the eye of numerous scouts, eventually earning him a return to United for a £750,000 fee.
It didn’t take McNeill long to adapt to life back at Carrington, and he even kissed the badge after scoring against City in a derby match – he certainly knows how to get the fans on board.
But it’s not just the Manchester United fans who are huge admirers of his talent. The Manchester-born youngster has caught the eye of Ten Hag, who promoted him to first team training this week.
McNeill narrowly missed out on United’s pre-season tour of Australia and Thailand in the summer, but was named on the bench for their final friendly against Rayo Vallecano in July.
He failed to step foot on the pitch that day, but his performances in the youth team and in training have clearly encouraged Ten Hag, and there’s no reason why McNeill can’t target a few first team appearances this season.
A breakthrough season is brewing, and McNeill has all the tools to impress.
In other Manchester United news, James Garner isn’t keen on joining Tottenham.