Manchester United have netted a mere 24 goals in the Premier League this season — half the tally of arch-rivals Manchester City.

Despite reportedly spending an initial £64million on Rasmus Hojlund last summer, the Red Devils are struggling to find the net. 

And head coach Erik ten Hag is rumoured to want to turn to his former club Ajax once again for a solution, with Brian Brobbey catching the eye.

Ahead of the Dutch giants returning to Eredivisie action at Heracles on Saturday and United travelling to Newport County in the FA Cup the following day, we turn the spotlight on the in-demand hotshot. 

Competing with the best

United's dominance across the noughties and beyond was spearheaded by world-class strikers but there has been a significant decline in quality since Sir Alex Ferguson retired.

However, the addition of Brobbey would give the red half of Manchester an advantage they have not had in years.

Despite an awful start this term, Ajax have climbed the table thanks in no small part to Brobbey's prolific form.

The striker, 21, has netted 11 goals and grabbed four assists in 17 league appearances and is currently on a run of scoring spanning five consecutive games.

With Anthony Martial providing inadequate competition for Hojlund, a move for Brobbey might help the Danish ace find his scoring boots on a regular basis. 

Project proposal

Ten Hag may be a big fan of Amsterdam's local lad but Brobbey has yet to be convinced by the project at Old Trafford. 

The United boss attempted to poach the finisher in 2022 — only to be left with egg on his face when he rejected the proposed switch. 

And Brobbey seems to be having doubts again. Speaking earlier this week, he said: "I know nothing about any interest from Manchester United. 

"I read it on the news but I am staying in Amsterdam. I am not in contact with Ten Hag.

"We used to text through WhatsApp but I think Erik is busy. I have a new number as well."

No more mistakes

Since taking up his role at Old Trafford, Ten Hag has been keen to raid his homeland's top flight for recruits. 

Lisandro Martinez, Antony and Tyrell Malacia were all lured from the Eredivisie and Andre Onana previously worked with his current boss at Ajax.

Brobbey falls into a similar category having emerged through the Dutch outfit's youth system before being handed his debut in 2020 by the man who is now keen to buy him. 

Standing at just 5ft 9in, the forward possesses an unusual amount of strength, which is complemented by his pace and aerial ability.

It would be a suitable alternative for Ten Hag, who relies on Hojlund as a target man but could mix things up with Brobbey's trademark runs in behind the defence.

However, the former centre-back, 53, must do his due diligence to avoid employing another player who may struggle to adapt to the Premier League.

Antony and Hojlund cost United hefty sums and the club cannot afford to make more expensive mistakes if they are to return to their glory days.

If Brobbey is chosen to reinforce Ten Hag's push for Champions League qualification, he must hit the ground running in England.