Club reveals stance on 17-year-old Man United target after stunning solo goal in front of scouts

Manchester United's hunt for a new striker is set to take them in a number of different directions this summer - and could see them look at the lower leagues.

United's need for more firepower is evident. While they spent big on Rasmus Hojlund last July, the Dane has had a mixed first season at Old Trafford.

Hojlund's return so far has been 13 goals in all competitions, with a run of seven goals in six successive games punctuating barren spells as he gets to grips with the pace of the Premier League after his move from Serie A side Atalanta. The 21-year-old has shown great promise, but also needs support.

Erik ten Hag admitted to the Manchester Evening News that United are already making plans to sign a forward in the summer to replace Anthony Martial. The Frenchman is out of contract at the end of the season, and will be leaving Old Trafford after nine fruitless and uninspiring seasons.

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United have been linked with a host of big-money strikers, including Victor Osihmen, Harry Kane, Ivan Toney and even Kylian Mbappe, regardless of how unlikely most of those are to turn up in Manchester. And, having put their faith in Hojlund, an expensive punt on another striker isn't a good use of money when there are other areas of the squad that need strengthening.

New co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has already revealed that United's approach in the transfer market may be different to previous styles. When asked about potentially bidding for Mbappe, he said: "I would rather sign the next Mbappe rather than spend a fortune buying success. It's not that clever buying Mbappe.