At the start of last season Manchester United had an embarrassment of riches in their striking department, as Robin van Persie, Radamel Falcao and Wayne Rooney were all vying for two spots.

It seemed like Red Devils boss Louis van Gaal had too much to choose from, however, fast forward twelve months, loss of form and the failure of Falcao to produce goals has left United, potentially, with just three strikers... Wayne Rooney and a duo that look likely to leave in Javier Hernandez and Van Persie.

Although the latter of the two had a decent season - albeit it wasn't to the standard the Dutchman is capable of considering his heroics in the 2012/13 campaign - it looks like RVP will leave Old Trafford this summer and go to Fenerbahce, so LVG will be needing to fill a void in his striking ranks.

So, what are the options? Van Gaal will have a fair bit of money to spend, so there is no doubt the best strikers around are within his sights.

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Harry Kane

One striker that United have been heavily linked with this summer already is Spurs man Harry Kane. And although United have ruled out any interest at the moment that is not to say that there isn't some strength to links with Kane, and Van Gaal could well be looking to get a deal done for the England man.

Kane is a hot prospect, he is only 21 and has already managed 20 Premier League goals in a campaign, albeit just once. That's the major question mark over Kane, can he do it again and again?

But the prospects of a repeat do look good, however, as he is a scorer of all types of goals - tap ins, headers and long rangers all seem to come easily to the striker - and he certainly has the appetite and determination needed to succeed, reflected by his five loan spells before his breakthrough season.

Thomas Muller

Thomas Mueller

Another striker United have been heavily linked with is Bayern Munich forward Thomas Muller. Whilst the German is not really considered as an out and out forward, his impressive goalscoring record when played up front is enough to show he is fully capable of filling that role.

A stumbling block with the deal could be Muller's desire to go from Bayern to United, as, although strides are being made, it is fair to say Van Gaal's men are still some way behind their German counterparts.

But the promise of first-team football in a striking role at a massive club could well convince Muller to join. The fee, however, would be very high.

Gonzalo Higuain

An alternative could be Gonzalo Higuain. The man who has been linked with just about every big club in need of a striker, the Argentinian is a quality forward, and although he may be into his late twenties there is no doubting his abilities.

The former Real Madrid man is a phenomenal goalscorer - he is nailed on for twenty goals every season, he is a great finisher and is a proven performer.

He could be the man Van Gaal is looking for. Even though he doesn't have Premier League experience he has played in the top divisions in Spain and Italy for years now. United would have to move fast as Arsenal are heavily interested in Higuain.

Edinson Cavani

A former Napoli striker now plying his trade at PSG, Edinson Cavani is another option the Red Devils could look to sign. The Uruguayan has been consistently linked with moves to England for some time and maybe a switch away from Paris could be the kick he needs to get his career going again.

The long-haired striker had an incredible scoring record in Italy, however, his goals to game ratio has dropped a fair bit in Ligue 1 and Cavani has not produced in some big matches for PSG.

But positively Cavani is a proven scorer, is athletic, strong and is a genuine top player. United would know what they are getting.

Alexandre Lacazette

Lacazette2

Another striker who is at the top of the tree in France is Lyon forward Alexandre Lacazette. The Frenchman has been linked with a move to England recently and it looks as though his destination could be Old Trafford.

The 24-year-old is currently one of Europe’s best marksman. He finished top scorer in Ligue 1 last season with a whopping 27 goals in 31 matches and was voted player of the season. With figures like that it is only a matter of time before a big money move happens, and United need to make it.

Lacazette could be the ideal man to rejuvenate United’s front line, with his pace, power and goals.