United can't stand still in striker search

THERE were exactly 29 days between United agreeing personal terms with Mason Mount and a fee with Chelsea - that alone is progress from the interminable Frenkie de Jong ordeal last year.

- SAMUEL LUCKHURST

That lasted exactly 100 days from the emergence of United's interest to concluding negotiations with Real Madrid for Casemiro. The one year remaining on Mount's Chelsea contract always made United hopeful of a swift deal.

They now have to move onto a striker and that cannot drag. Ideally, a new No.9 would be on board United's flight from Edinburgh to New York on July 19 ahead of three friendlies with Arsenal, Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund. The integration during a week-long training camp in San Diego is arguably more vital.

Harry Kane is, or was Erik ten Hag's preferred target, he has held video calls with Rasmus Hojlund, United admire Victor Osimhen (who doesn't?), Randal Kolo Muani is of interest and Ten Hag is impressed by Goncalo Ramos.

United have paid £55m up front for Mount. Going off their budget that is prefixed with 'tight, they have £65million to spend on a striker. That is nowhere near enough.

Player sales will be reinvested into the squad and United are not short of sellable assets but they struggle for demand at their stall in the "6 sellers' market. There is little indication of any impending sales.

A centre-for-might ward have been the first port of call had Mount not been so attainable.