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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Sport
Richard Fay

Robin van Persie has warned Manchester United about Cody Gakpo

Even before the World Cup began, Manchester United fans were dreaming about a move for Cody Gakpo next year. Tonight he has another opportunity to show them exactly what they are missing as the Netherlands face Argentina in their quarter-final tie.

Gakpo has been one of the standout performers, having netted three goals in four games in Qatar, adding to his already impressive haul of 13 goals and 17 assists for PSV Eindhoven this season.

With such a huge output in front of goal, it is obvious why so many sides are interested in a move for the 23-year-old, and it is also obvious why PSV would demand such a huge fee for his services.

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United's dilemma is whether he is really the type of player they need in their side, or if they would be better off going for a more orthodox centre-forward to offer something different in the forward line.

There can be no ignoring the obvious talent of Gakpo, but the genuine worry is that he is better suited to a left wing role that gives him the freedom to cut inside onto his dominant right foot.

For the money it would likely cost to sign the Dutch forward, he would be expected to start every match, and while there is a compelling argument to do that, it would also scupper the opportunity afforded to in-form Marcus Rashford and the promising Alejandro Garnacho.

"He is not really an out-and-out striker; he can play as a No.10, on the [left] wing, as a false striker or on the right-wing. He can play in those four positions in the front," Robin van Persie told BT Sport earlier in the season.

"He has a good physique. He is strong, fast and can dribble. He is an all-round player."

This season, United have been most effective when using the more mobile Anthony Martial as a central striker, but even he is a different type of player than Gakpo due to his tendency to play between the two posts and act as a more traditional No. 9.

In the end, it boils down to what Erik ten Hag really wants from his new attacker, and given the loss of Cristiano Ronaldo and Martial's injury concerns, there is a strong argument to suggest United would be better off signing someone with a focal point in the final third.

While it may appear to be unnecessary pessimism, there is always the possibility that Gakpo's current output is a remarkable run of form but not necessarily a true reflection of the type of return United could expect if he were to be brought in mid-season.

If he were to move to Old Trafford for the type of humongous fee that is being floated around, then he would suddenly be under a lot more pressure to perform, something that could have a negative impact on his performances.

That is, of course, the same criticism leveled at the majority of Ten Hag's summer signings, and the majority of them have already begun to disprove it with their performances this season, but it is a valid point of concern.

Once again, though, it comes down to whom the manager wants and who the manager trusts to be able to cope with the privileged pressure of being a striker for United.

Given the quality of left wing options already at the club, it is essential that if Gakpo is signed, he is repurposed through the middle; if he weren't to be, then United would still be ignoring their most glaring attacking issue.

There can be no denying he'd make the squad stronger, but he might not improve the line-up.

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