Manchester United: 5 Strikers Fergie Would Love To Land This Transfer Window

With honor and respect comes a massive leap of expectation, especially if you have won eleven titles in the last twenty-odd years.

Manchester United and Sir Alex Ferguson have gathered the respect of the footballing world by demonstration a willingness and desire to stay on top and be the best no matter what the circumstance. 

The 2010/2011 season is no different in terms of the approach and manner as United attempt yet another milestone, but what is different is the increase in competition from the what was known as "middle table" clubs.

The likes of Spurs and Man City have certainly questioned the quality at the top and set the target to reach the top no matter what. Different teams use various means to archive their goals, and in terms of Spurs, they have found themselves in a remarkable position with great depth in-squad and an excellent manager at the helm.

City on the other hand, has the money to buy any player that's willing to make the move, recent signing David Silva, Yaya Toure and Mario Balotelli have already brought experience and quality to the squad. The latest news shows Bosnian international Edin Dzeko could be on his way for around £27 Million.

With these clubs and the usuals in Arsenal, Chelsea and even Liverpool, although they seem a bit out of sorts, United need to make certain they have all bases covered as they move along into the second half of the season.

With that in mind, there is obviously certain players that could bolster the attack and give impetus to squads performance and overall outcome.

We look at five possible transfers that could give United the edge, not just for the next six months, but  with the long-term in mind as well.

1. Andy Carroll

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NEWCASTLE, UNITED KINGDOM - DECEMBER 11: Andy Carroll of Newcastle United looks on during the Barclays Premier League match between Newcastle United and Liverpool at St James' Park on December 11, 2010 in Newcastle, England. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty

Name: Andrew Thomas "Andy" Carroll 

Current Club: Newcastle

Nationality: English

Age: 21

Market Value: TBD

Andy Carroll has gained immense recognition in the last couple months as he has led Newcastle to some important victories.

His ability to read tough situations and command his area has been the trademark of the youngster. Another has been the ability to find the net on numerous occasions.

Carroll has grown into something more than just a Newcastle player, as he has been called up to the English national team and looks promising for the future.

Many are waiting for the two to pair up in an England shirt, but could Sir Alex bring the talented striker to Old Trafford?

Many might be of the opinion that an out and out striker is not needed at United. These and more questions will and can be answered by the man himself, Sir Alex.

But looking at the prospects, Andy Carroll is a serious contender...

2. Alberto Gilardino

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TURIN, ITALY - NOVEMBER 27: Alberto Gilardino of ACF Fiorentina reacts during the Serie A match between Juventus and Fiorentina at Olimpico Stadium on November 27, 2010 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Claudio Villa/Getty Images)

Name: Alberto Gilardino

Current Club: Fiorentina

Nationality: Italian

Age: 28

Market Value: TBD

He has been part of the Italian national team, has played at the highest level with AC Milan and now the Italian could be one of the players on Sir Alex's radar.

He has a killer touch, a great eye for goal, a poacher at times and sometimes simply brilliant.

He brings a different style to the game and his natural ability will allow him to adapt to the hard and tough style of English football.

With Kiko Macheda on his way out on loan, a more experienced Italian could be on his way in. Questions  regarding his age could be the only negative.

3. Neymar

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EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - AUGUST 10: Neymar #11 and Paulo Henrique Ganso #10 of Brazil celebrate Neymar's goal against the U.S. in the first half of a friendly match at the New Meadowlands on August 10, 2010 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Jeff Zele

Name: Neymar da Silva Santos Júnior

Current Club: Santos

Nationality: Brazilian

Age: 18

Market Value: £20 Million

The young talented Brazilian has been knocking on the radar screens across Europe, with massive interest from the likes of Chelsea, Real Madrid and even some Italian clubs.

But Santos looks certain to hold on to one of their latest arrivals. The youngster has be hailed as "the next big thing."

Chelsea could be seen a the front runner if Santos agree to sell him, as the two clubs having already made contact with each other.

But a young 18-year-old with tremendous skill and ability could be exactly what United require. Neymar could bring that X-Factor which has been missing for the last season or two.

4. Eljero Elia

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DURBAN, SOUTH AFRICA - JUNE 28: Eljero Elia of the Netherlands in action during the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa Round of Sixteen match between Netherlands and Slovakia at Durban Stadium on June 28, 2010 in Durban, South Africa. (Photo by Laurence G

Name: Eljero George Rinaldo Elia

Current Club: Hamburg SV

Nationality: Dutch

Age: 23

Market Value: TBD

Another talented Dutchman who on numerous occasions impressed many during last years World Cup in South Africa. His able to play both on the wing and upfront provides any manager with more options.

I recall one match in particular, one that I attended at Soccer City (FNB Stadium) in Johannesburg. When the Netherlands took on Denmark, Elia was brought on as a sub late in the second half, but his quick feet, skill and ability on and off the ball immediately caught the eye of everyone watching the match. 

He is young, energetic and always looking to make those movements down the wing. Elia is always attacking the defenders and making the correct movements to establish a return pass, and has excellent style and approach.

The latest rumors suggest that the Dutchman is on his way to Anfield, which could be bad news for United.

Nevertheless i would enjoy watching him play in the Premier League (maybe Ryan Babel could persuade him from signing, since Ryan has become an experienced bench-warmer at Liverpool).

5. Bojan Krkić

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BARCELONA, SPAIN - DECEMBER 21: Bojan Krkic of FC Barcelona reacts after missing a chance to score during the round of last 16 Copa del Rey match between FC Barcelona and Athletic Bilbao at Camp Nou on December 21, 2010 in Barcelona, Spain. The match end

Name: Bojan Krkić Pérez

Current Club: Barcelona

Nationality: Spanish

Age: 20

Market Value: TBD

Another of the talented graduates from the Barca Academy, he has already played over 90 games for the Barcelona first team.

He made his debut at the age of 17, and since then has been in and out of the first team. Take into consideration he was competing for a place in the lineup with Theiry Henry, and now with the likes of Messi, Xavi, Iniesta, Pedro and Villa.

Bojan is immensely talented and gifted and as a footballer, he has pace, with quick feet and skill, gets behind defenders and scores goals.

The obvious question would be: Can he adapt to the United style? He has played with Barcelona since a young age, then played for Spain U-17 and U-21, so his style didn't require any change.

Making the move to England would require a major change in lifestyle and the way he plays the game. United have a more direct approach similar to that of Real Madrid, whilst Bojan is accustomed to the quick passing, with large chunks of possession.

But being young, it gives him the benefit having more time to adjust. With Sir Alex as your coach, I doubt he would find it tough.

Krkic is also another one of those players who could be used on the wings if required. Playing at Barcelona in my opinion allows players to become more versatile simply because of the possession and movement.

The difficulty in getting consistent playing time could persuade him to make the move abroad.