KLAAS Jan Huntelaar could yet be the man to strengthen United's striking resources in January.

And former Reds striker Andy Ritchie would be delighted to see the Dutch hitman at Old Trafford.

Sir Alex Ferguson was linked throughout the summer with a move for the Ajax striker, who used to partner City's Georgios Samaras up front when the two were at Heerenveen.

And after Fergie's hopes of signing Fernando Torres from Atletico Madrid came to nothing - with the striker joining Liverpool - Huntelaar has emerged as the likeliest candidate for a New Year transfer swoop.

"I have really been impressed with Fernando Torres's start to playing in England," Ritchie said. "I have always liked the look of him as a goalscorer but there was that question mark over him about the physical challenge in the Premier League.

"But I have to say that Torres hasn't worried about getting kicked or working his socks off. He doesn't give defenders a minute's peace.

"He looks a miss as far as United are concerned that they didn't get him. In my opinion he would have been great for United.

"Huntelaar wouldn't be a second best buy. He's a different kind of striker but he could certainly do it for United and in the Premiership as far as I can see."

Huntelaar's record of 102 goals in 142 appearances for Ajax, along with 20 goals in 30 games for Holland, has certainly impressed Ritchie.

"To put it bluntly, he is a goalscorer," he said. "Whenever you read or hear Ajax's results, it is always Huntelaar's name that's on the scoresheet. He seems to score goals for fun. He's a bit like a Ruud van Nistelrooy in that respect.

Goals

"If United are still struggling to score goals come mid-season then I'd certainly look on him as an answer in January, or even if Sir Alex Ferguson wants to strengthen that department anyway.

"The one thing is that the United manager knows exactly what he is doing and will make the right decision."

Ferguson's summer decisions saw him allow Alan Smith to move to Newcastle and Giuseppe Rossi switch to Villarreal.

But the injuries and suspensions that further weakened United's attack in the early weeks of the campaign are starting to clear up.

"United have been dominating matches but just can't seem to score many goals," Ritchie said.

"They should have been converting more the way they are playing. Obviously, the focus has fallen on Carlos Tevez and the fact he has not scored in his four matches.

"But he's an immense player and someone you'd want in your squad. He's been chucked in early because of Wayne Rooney's broken foot and Louis Saha's delayed comeback and has probably suffered for being on his own.

"He'll score goals, that's for sure, but I don't actually seem him as a goalscorer as such. I see him more like a Teddy Sheringham. He's alert, astute and opens defences up.

"He needs a Rooney or Saha there with him and that will no doubt happen in due course.

"When they are all available, I think the goals will flow again like last year.

"If Louis Saha can steer clear of more injuries then his pace and power will be a great asset again.

"If Tevez, Rooney and Saha had all been available to Sir Alex from day one, I have no doubts whatsoever that nobody would be having conversations or debates about the Reds lack of goals.

"Pretty soon, I don't think anybody will be anyway. And if Huntelaar is a target for January - and they get him - then there definitely won't be any discussions about it!"

Is Jan Huntelaar the man for United? Have your say