Manchester United have something of a history when it comes to making unexpected signings of veteran forwards, and they looked like resurrecting that transfer strategy this week with their interest in Marko Arnautovic.
Unfortunately, sources have told ESPN that Bologna's transfer demands and a fan backlash against the deal scuppered the deal and 33-year-old Austrian's chances of joining the likes of Michael Owen, Henrik Larsson, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Edinson Cavani among United's roll call of senior strikers.
The club's curious approach for strapping centre-forward Arnautovic, who hasn't played in the English top flight since 2019 when he left West Ham for Shanghai Port in China, does reveal the type of last-ditch signing they are seeking to make with the new season already underway.
Thankfully, the pool of long-forgotten (but, crucially, still active) Premier League strikers runs surprisingly deep, with many former stars still plying their trade around the world despite being well into their 30s -- making them prime candidates to join United this month.
Should coach Erik ten Hag be serious about bolstering his attacking stable with a journeyman forward of a certain age, then he has plenty of options.
- ESPN+ guide: LaLiga, Bundesliga, MLS, FA Cup, more (U.S.)
- Stream ESPN FC Daily on ESPN+ (U.S. only)
- Don't have ESPN? Get instant access
RETURNING HEROES
Odion Ighalo (33, Al Hilal)
There are several former Manchester United players still plugging away out there who would likely jump at the chance for one last dance at Old Trafford. Few fans could comprehend why United signed a 30-year-old Ighalo on loan from Shanghai Shenhua in February 2020 to cover for a spate of attacking injuries, but he got to live his dream and made his contribution count with five goals in 19 games, so a return for the Nigerian would barely raise an eyebrow.
It's was a pleasure. Once a Red, always a Red