Although Manchester United’s transfer business this summer has been, on the whole, successful, there is one glaring admission from the list of newcomers… a striker.

When Robin van Persie and Radamel Falcao were gleefully ushered out of the door, many predicted that the Red Devils had an ace up their sleeve in the shape a marquee forward to drive the team on following their return to the Champions League.

Alas, it now looks likely that the Manchester giants will go until at least January with only Wayne Rooney, Javier Hernandez and James Wilson as genuine options ‘up top’.

However, even though the transfer window now has less than a week to run and the likelihood of an addition decreases with each hour, former Brazilian prodigy Alexandre Pato has emerged as a target. After rebuilding his career, and fitness, back in his homeland, the forward is said to be keen on a Premier League move, with the Red Devils having held talks regarding the £10.9m-rated man.

Although he’s not the glamour signing many want, Pato could be the perfect late addition for United… and here are FIVE reasons why...

Available

With the transfer window now hurtling towards its close, United really don’t have time on their side. It would be naïve to suggest the club don’t have feelers out there, but a lack of progress over the summer and Louis van Gaal’s persistent claims that he doesn’t need another forward hint that there is no deal in the offing for any mooted target.

Unlike players such as Edinson Cavani and Neymar, Pato – albeit not as good – is available, with Corinthians known to be looking to offload him. Further to this, the 25-year-old is eager to test himself in the Premier League, further opening the door for a deal.

Proven talent

Injuries may have ruined the past four-five years of Pato’s career, but he has shown in the past that he has the potential to be a great striker. Signed by AC Milan – when the Rossoneri were a superpower - as a teenager, the Brazilian was expected to be a world-beater and to be fair to him, Pato managed 63 goals in 150 outings between 2007 and 2012 even with fitness issues present.

He’s even notched eight league efforts in Brazil’s top tier this season, proving that he has still got what it takes in the final third (his tally for the club stands at 30 in 74).

Will be happy to play a back-up role

Whether or not Wayne Rooney deserves to be the main forward at United is somewhat up in the air right now, but Van Gaal has put his faith in the England captain, so any player to come in will have to either work alongside him or play a back-up role.

Pato would surely be more willing than a host of marquee names to be second in command, with the Red Devils likely to afford him minutes due to domestic and European responsibilities. Given his decline, the 25-year-old is in no position to demand a starting berth at a top club, and the chance to rebuild without that responsibility may be the best thing for him.

Will add pace

Injuries have robbed Pato of the lightening pace he had as a youngster, but he’s by no means a slouch. His straight-line speed could be of use to United, with Van Gaal having confessed during pre-season that his side lack the explosiveness he desires, so long as the ex-Milan man can be kept fit.

That is of course the biggest question, but with United’s medical team known to be effective, Pato could be given a new lease of life.

Better than nothing!

Simply put, adding another body is better than nothing. United have only Rooney, Javier Hernandez and James Wilson as orthodox options up front now, and with the latter two having been shipped out on loan last season and short on experience respectively, an injury to ‘Wazza’ – who is, arguably, better in a deeper role anyway - could derail the club’s season.

Pato may not be the marquee man the fans have called for, but he’s certainly an able player who could offer depth and a different option.