Man Utd 'step up' bid to sign January transfer target after 'personal recommendation from Ruud van Nistelrooy'

Manchester United have reportedly 'stepped up' their pursuit of a key striker target after a recommendation from assistant manager Ruud van Nistelrooy.

Van Nistelrooy, 48, rejoined the club earlier this summer after initially being tipped to replace Erik ten Hag in the dugout.

Since then, the former Dutch international has quickly got to work with strikers Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee.

But following the summer departure of Anthony Martial, criticisms have been made that the Red Devils are still a little light in attack.

Club captain Bruno Fernandes has been tried and tested in a false nine position too as Ten Hag looks to strike the correct balance.

With the summer window having now slammed slut, Manchester United welcomed five new players including Leny Yoro, Matthijs De Ligt, Manuel Ugarte, Noussair Mazraoui and Zirkzee.

According to new information from Football Transfers, early inroads have been made over the signing of Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic.

The Red Devils are now ready to step up their interest after being urged to consider a move by Van Nistelrooy.

Vlahovic was on Arsenal’s radar before he joined the Serie A giants in January 2022, with Man Utd also linked with the Serbian international last year.

Instead opting to bring Hojlund to the club, it is thought improving their attack remains a key priority.

Vlahovic has already netted two goals in three games this season under new Juve boss Thiago Motta.

At just 24, the forward does have an impressive European pedigree having already shined with Fiorentina in the past.

Dusan Vlahovic in action for Serie A side Juventus

Capped 30 times for Serbia, Vlahovic has previously been fairly outspoken on his desire to remain in Turin.

But with just two years left on his deal, that could all soon change if Manchester United decide to step up their interest.

“I still have two and a half years left on my contract, we’re in no rush but Giuntoli and my agent are already talking," he told Italian media back in December 2023.

"I’m very happy to be here.”

Former team-mate Federico Chiesa also recently made the move to the Premier League after he ended his spell with Juventus.

The 26-year-old signed for Liverpool during the summer transfer window.