Manchester United scouts sent to watch Gent striker

In a bid to bolster their attacking options for the upcoming season, Manchester United has reportedly dispatched scouts to closely observe Gent striker Gift Orban, according to recent reports.

Orban’s exceptional performances have catapulted him into the spotlight, notably achieving the fastest hat-trick in a UEFA competition, accomplishing the feat in just 205 seconds during a Europa Conference League encounter against Istanbul Baseksehir.

The 20-year-old Nigerian international made his move to Gent in January from Norwegian second division club Stabaek and has wasted no time in leaving his mark. In an astonishing 13 Belgian Pro League matches, Orban has already netted an impressive tally of 14 goals, including another hat-trick during his side’s convincing 4-1 victory over Cercle Brugge last Saturday.

Gent head coach Hein Vanhaezebrouck, recognizing Orban’s potential, previously described him as a “guarantee of 20, 25 goals” over the course of a full season, highlighting his penchant for finishing chances with aplomb, regardless of which foot he employs. The striker’s performances have now piqued the interest of Manchester United, who have dispatched their scouts to evaluate his abilities firsthand, as reported by the London Evening Standard.

According to additional information from Nieuwsblad, the scouts were present in the stands during Orban’s latest exceptional display against Cercle Brugge, further solidifying the club’s interest in the young striker.

However, competition for his signature may be fierce, with other Premier League clubs such as Chelsea, Tottenham, and Fulham also reportedly keen on securing a deal with the talented forward.

Gent, having acquired Orban for a modest fee of £2.5 million just five months ago, currently faces no pressure to sell the promising player. Any potential transfer would likely require a substantial bid from a Premier League club to tempt Gent into parting ways with their prized asset.

While Transfermarkt currently values Orban at €9 million, his recent form and long-term contract until the summer of 2027 indicate that a significantly higher fee may be necessary to secure his services.

As Manchester United continues to monitor Orban’s progress, it remains to be seen if the club will make a concrete move for the highly-rated striker. Should a transfer materialize, it could mark a significant step in strengthening United’s attacking prowess and provide Orban with an opportunity to showcase his talents on a grander stage.