Amidst the triumphs and tribulations of Manchester United post-Alex Ferguson era, the club saw a carousel of strikers coming and going. Let’s dive deep into the journey of these center-forwards who carried the weight of expectations on their shoulders.
### Wayne Rooney – The Record-Setter
**Games:** 63
**Goals:** 26
**Assists:** 14
**Mins:** 5,196
Wayne Rooney stepped into the post-Ferguson era with uncertainty looming over his future, labeled as Robin van Persie’s backup by David Moyes. Despite being considered a declining force at 27, Rooney etched his name in history as United’s all-time leading goal scorer with an impressive tally of 253 goals.
### Robin van Persie – The Elite Talent
**Games:** 52
**Goals:** 29
**Assists:** 6
**Mins:** 4,180
Van Persie’s stellar performance in the title-winning season of 2012-13 painted him as an elite talent. However, Ferguson’s retirement seemed to dim his spark as he departed from United after Louis van Gaal took over.
Moving on from these stalwarts brought in a wave of new faces like Danny Welbeck, James Wilson, and Will Keane who each left their mark for better or worse. With every departure came a new arrival such as Javier Hernández whose initial success faded over time.
### Marcus Rashford – The Enigmatic Forward
Making his mark amidst this lineup was Marcus Rashford, an enigmatic player reluctant to take up the No.9 role despite showcasing traits necessary for excelling in that position. His inconsistency aside, Rashford proved his potential with an impressive goal record highlighting glimpses of brilliance.
### Romelu Lukaku & Mason Greenwood – The Hopeful Signings
Romelu Lukaku was signed for a hefty sum under Mourinho’s reign but failed to maintain consistency during tumultuous times at Old Trafford. Meanwhile, Mason Greenwood emerged as a beacon of hope; touted as one of United’s finest homegrown talents until his abrupt departure following legal controversies.
### Cristiano Ronaldo & Co.: A Rollercoaster Ride
The return of Cristiano Ronaldo stirred excitement among fans but also raised questions about squad dynamics. While Ronaldo showcased moments of brilliance on-field, off-field incidents tainted his tenure alongside fellow strikers like Wout Weghorst who struggled to make a lasting impact during their stints at the club.
### Rasmus Højlund & Joshua Zirkzee – The Emerging Talents
Among recent arrivals like Rasmus Højlund and Joshua Zirkzee lie hopes for revitalizing United’s striking force. While Højlund faced challenges adapting to Ten Hag’s strategies initially but showed promise gradually; Zirkzee has been hailed by coaches despite occasional setbacks due to technical shortcomings.
As Manchester United continues its quest for striking excellence post-Ferguson era through trials and errors with various forwards passing through its ranks – each leaving behind a unique chapter in the club’s storied history.
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