Power Ranking Man United’s top six striking transfer targets, including Harry Kane and Real Madrid ace

Manchester United have been linked to a number of strikers after the end of Radamel Falcao’s loan period at Old Trafford.

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Their need for a new forward has been enhanced by the decline of Robin van Persie and the unwillingness of manager Louis van Gaal to risk 19-year-old James Wilson in the first team.

As such, captain Wayne Rooney seems to be the only option up front at the moment, and the 29-year-old spent parts of the last campaign playing in central midfield.

The Champions League represents an extra competition for the Red Devils next season and the Dutch coach dearly needs to strengthen the offensive areas of the squad if they are to compete on all fronts.

Here are United’s top six targets ranked by how suitable they would be for the team.

6) Christian Benteke, Aston Villa

While certainly an impressive striker, it is yet to be seen whether the Belgium international is truly world class.

The Daily Star believes that the Red Devils could sign the 24-year-old this summer, and with 42 goals in 89 Premier League appearances for the Villans, on paper it looks a good move.

However, Benteke lacks the pace that Louis van Gaal seems to be looking for, if his signing of Memphis Depay is anything to go by, and at Villa Park he is largely known for his heading ability.

Is he really what United are looking for?

5) Mario Mandzukic, Atletico Madrid

The Daily Star also believe that a move for Mandzukic could be on the cards.

The Croatian managed 20 goals in 42 appearances for the Rojiblancos last time round, and displayed his undying commitment to the cause throughout.

However, at 29-years-old and, similarly to Benteke, not known for his lightning speed, the striker may not be a perfect fit for the Red Devils.

4) Harry Kane, Tottenham

What a season the 21-year-old has had!

32 goals in 53 appearances is nothing to be sniffed at, and if he is able to keep it up, the England international will be a star for at least the next decade.

However, whether he can keep it up is a big question, and the £50 million deal that Goal.com think is being lined up would be a massive gamble from van Gaal.

3) Karim Benzema, Real Madrid

Despite playing second fiddle to Cristiano Ronaldo, the 27-year-old managed to score 22 goals in 47 appearances last season.

This impressive campaign has led to links with Old Trafford from the Daily Mirror.

A move to the Premier league giants, where he could be the main man, may be enticing. Without Ronaldo taking some of his chances the Frenchman may even score more than before.

2) Gonzalo Higuain, Napoli

The Daily Express think a move for the former Real Madrid man is close, and he could be a great signing if the Red Devils pull it off.

The appeal of Champions League football could be vital, with the Serie A side not able to offer it in the next campaign.

The 27-year-old netted has 51 times in 98 appearances over the last two seasons, a record of better than one in two and far more impressive than any of United’s current crop of forwards.

1) Edinson Cavani, PSG

After being stuck on the left wing for much of last season to accommodate Zlatan Ibrahimovic, the Uruguayan showed what he can do in the central striker role in the last few games.

He scored a brilliant 12 goals in just ten games, and showed what could be done should United sign him as the Daily Star believe they could.

However, the only problem is that he may have done too well, with Ibrahimovic now being linked with a move away from the Parc des Princes by The Guardian. That eventuality could mean the 28-year-old remains in the French capital.