Alvaro Morata could now emulate Man United icon after £10m source reveal - pundit
Noel Whelan has backed Man United to swoop for Alvaro Morata in January after his "sharp" showing at the World Cup in Qatar.
The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, claimed the 30-year-old will bring similar attributes to ex-United favourites like Ruud van Nistelrooy, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, and Edinson Cavani.
According to ESPN (28 December), Morata is an option for Man United in January if Atletico Madrid are receptive to loan offers for the striker.
Sources told this site on 28 December that Erik ten Hag’s side are working on a temporary forward signing and are willing to pay a £5million loan fee to get a deal over the line in January
The Old Trafford club are shorthanded since the acrimonious departure of Cristiano Ronaldo last month.
Morata scored three goals in four games at the World Cup and notched 24 strikes in 72 games for Chelsea - his only experience in the Premier League.
Whelan told Football Insider’s Ewan Kingsbury:
“Man United have always had a focal point, a real figure up front.
“Looking back - you've got players like Van Nistelrooy, Sheringham, and even Cavani and Ibrahimovic.
“They’ve always had someone who can hold the ball and bring others into play.
“It doesn’t surprise me to see United after Morata, he was so sharp at the World Cup.
“If it’s only a loan deal, then they’re not taking too much of a risk. They can choose whether or not to sign him permanently based on whether he impresses.
“It’s not a bad deal for United in prospect. They’ve got to chase down those Champions League spots.”