One experienced goalscorer linked with Manchester United has been forced into making a transfer U-turn despite being labelled as an “amazing market opportunity” for the Reds.
Manchester United’s number one priority when entering the summer transfer window was fixing their misfiring attacking line.
The signing of Matheus Cunha was a good start and it looks like Bryan Mbeumo will join him soon, with both players being major upgrades on the existing players at Old Trafford.
After the Reds secure the addition of Mbeumo, they will be looking for a no.9 to take responsibility for goals. There is doubt over Rasmus Højlund’s future while Joshua Zirkzee excelled as a no.10 last term.
Liam Delap was the initial target for that role but he opted for a move to Chelsea. Players like Viktor Gyokeres and Hugo Ekitike have been linked but there are no guarantees about a move for either of them.
There have been some low-cost options rumoured with a move too but one of those has gone out of the window now after confirmation of a deal.
146-goal striker forced into United U-turn
Jonathan David becoming a free agent this summer was common knowledge across Europe and the striker, with 146 goals in his career, has been scoring in the French league for fun in recent years.
It was revealed recently that a United move was one of his priorities, alongside PSG and Barcelona. But after the Reds ignored the chance to sign him, David has been forced into a transfer U-turn.
The 25-year-old has decided to join Juventus on a free contract instead, with Fabrizio Romano confirming the deal this week.
“Jonathan David to Juventus, here we go!” the Italian journalist wrote on his X page.
“Verbal agreement reached overnight on every detail with Canadian striker. Long term deal agreed and Jonathan David’s set to travel for medical tests, formal steps to follow.
“Contracts to be checked and signed soon.”
David was an “amazing market opportunity” for United
Some fans are questioning why United were not in for David, especially considering the financial struggles at Old Trafford.
Sales will need to be made after the Mbeumo deal and many other strikers will commend fees of more than £50 million, while David is there for free.
Of course there will be agent fees attached to the deal, like there was for Christian Eriksen in 2022, but it still seems like it is worth the money involved.
United have been slammed for not pursuing the “amazing market opportunity”, and it could end up being a regret when they finally start seriously considering striker signings in the coming weeks.
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