Manchester United’s attacking lineup has struggled this season. Under Erik ten Hag, they scored just 57 Premier League goals, 39 fewer than champions Manchester City. This lack of goals is not new for the Dutch manager, as United only managed 58 goals in the previous campaign.
Given these issues, United may look to bring in a new attacker who could serve as an alternative to Michael Olise and possibly become their version of Cole Palmer.
Manchester United Eyeing a New Attacker
According to Footballwave, Manchester United are interested in signing Dani Olmo from RB Leipzig. United view Olmo as a potentially better deal than Olise, whom they have been pursuing recently. The Red Devils are currently favorites to sign Olmo, who has a £51 million release clause. However, they face competition from their rivals, who also want to strengthen their attacking options.
Comparing Olmo to Cole Palmer
Cole Palmer has been sensational for Chelsea this season, surpassing all expectations by scoring 22 goals and providing 11 assists in 29 Premier League starts. His outstanding performance earned him the Premier League Young Player of the Season Award.
Manchester United hope that Olmo can have a similar impact. According to FBref, Olmo and Palmer have comparable playing styles. Here’s a comparison of their 2023/24 stats:
| Stats (per game) | Palmer | Olmo |
|————————–|——–|——-|
| Non-penalty goals | 0.45 | 0.28 |
| Assists | 0.38 | 0.28 |
| Shots | 3.44 | 2.98 |
| Key passes | 2.48 | 1.93 |
| Passes into final third | 4.68 | 3.92 |
| Successful take-ons | 1.79 | 1.88 |
Both players are highly creative and capable of scoring, making them unpredictable and dangerous. Olmo has scored eight goals and registered five assists for Leipzig this season. They both excel technically, which helps them maneuver in tight spaces, as indicated by their key passes, successful dribbles, and passes into the final third.
Additionally, Palmer and Olmo are threats from around the edge of the box, often taking long-range shots. Their versatility allows them to play both on the right wing and as central attacking midfielders, offering the United manager flexibility in squad rotation to avoid injury crises.
Potential Impact of Olmo at United
Football scout Antonio Mango has dubbed Olmo “incredible.” If United opt out of a move for Crystal Palace’s Olise, Olmo could fill that gap effectively. With United struggling mainly due to a lack of creativity, Olmo’s arrival would enhance their attacking prowess. Players like Marcus Rashford and Rasmus Hojlund would particularly benefit from his presence, potentially transforming United’s offensive capabilities.
In summary, signing Dani Olmo could address Manchester United’s goal-scoring issues and provide the creativity they have been lacking, making him a valuable addition to their squad