Paul Merson thinks Manchester United are missing a player like Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, as they need a 25-goal striker right now.

Some reports in the media yesterday linked Aubameyang with a Manchester United, and Merson thinks that’s exactly what the club need.

According to the claims, United are looking to take advantage of Aubameyang’s contract situation. They’re looking to rival Barcelona and PSG for a £50m move for the striker. Merson thinks the 30-year-old would be invaluable to the Manchester club.

“Aubameyang is what Manchester United are missing. He is a goal scorer and goal scorers are priceless,” Merson said.

“They are crying out for someone who is going to score them 20 to 25 goals, and that’s what Aubameyang can bring. He gets you 25 goals without even breaking a sweat.”

In recent years Aubameyang has easily hit that total, as Merson says. This is his scoring record over the last five seasons:

• 2015/16 – 39 goals – Dortmund
• 2016/17 – 40 goals – Dortmund
• 2017/18 – 31 goals – Arsenal and Dortmund combined
• 2018/19 – 31 goals – Arsenal
• 2019/20 – 20 goals, so far – Arsenal

By the same token, that’s the exact reason you’d hope Arsenal wouldn’t let the transfer happen. Right now, Manchester United are a rival for a top-four finish. You don’t want to gift them extra goals whilst also losing them yourself.