Only six teams in the Premier League this season have scored fewer goals than Manchester United in the competition, with the Red Devils managing just 13 in their 12 matches.

Rasmus Hojlund - the team's marquee forward signing over the summer - has scored five times in the Champions League this term, making him the club's leading goalscorer in all competitions, but he has drawn a blank in each of his nine appearances in England's top flight.

Anthony Martial, Alejandro Garnacho and Antony have zero goals to show from a combined 29 appearances in the league this term, meanwhile, with midfielders Bruno Fernandes and Scott McTominay the team's joint-leading goalscorers in England's top division with three each.

Man United are widely expected to target a new striker in January, especially as Jadon Sancho is set to depart, which will make space in the squad.

Here, Sports Mole looks at three forwards that the Red Devils could realistically sign when the winter market opens for business.

Mehdi Taremi (Porto)

Man United were linked with Taremi over the summer, and there is again fresh speculation surrounding the Iran international, who is out of contract at Porto next June.

The 31-year-old will not be short of suitors if it becomes clear that he will be leaving Porto in January, with Real Madrid also said to be keeping a close eye on his situation.

Taremi has netted an impressive 83 goals in 163 appearances for his Portuguese club in all competitions, in addition to registering 52 assists.

The forward has Champions League experience, scoring nine goals and managing six assists in 23 appearances in the tournament, and he is proven in a major European league.

Taremi has again been a regular this term, making 16 appearances, scoring three goals and registering three assists, and there have been suggestions that he could be available for around €10m (£8.8m) in January, which would make him a very interesting option for the club.

Federico Chiesa (Juventus)

Chiesa's future is also the subject of much speculation, with teams from the Premier League, including Man United, said to be keeping a close eye on his situation at Juventus.

The 26-year-old has scored four times and registered one assist in 11 Serie A appearances this season, but he only has a contract with the Old Lady until the summer of 2025.

Juventus are said to be determined to sign him to a new deal, but the two parties are thought to be some way apart when it comes to personal terms, which has created a stand-off.

Chiesa's current salary is believed to be around €5m (£4.3m) per year, and it is likely that he would be able to earn a lot more than that by moving to English football.

There have been suggestions that offers of around €60m (£52m) would be seriously considered for a player who helped Italy win the European Championship in 2021.

Chiesa has managed 26 goals and 21 assists in 105 matches for Juventus, meanwhile, and the fact that he can play in a number of different forward areas makes him another interesting option.

Nikola Krstovic (Lecce)

Man United are believed to be admirers of Krstovic, who has caught the eye with four goals in 11 Serie A appearances for Lecce during the 2023-24 campaign.

Like Taremi, there have been claims that he could be available for around €10m (£8.8m) in the winter market despite only moving to his Italian club over the summer.

The 23-year-old scored 37 goals and registered eight assists in 66 appearances for DAC Dunajska Streda before making the switch to Italy during the recent market.

Krstovic has also netted twice for Montenegro during their Euro 2024 qualification campaign, with his form said to have attracted the attention of the likes of Inter Milan.

Man United, though, are also seemingly seen as genuine suitors, and it appears only a matter of time before the Montenegro international earns himself a high-profile move.