Jonathan David has sent a perfect message to Rúben Amorim amid the latest surrounding Manchester United’s summer interest in the Canadian striker.
With Manchester United looking to sign a new striker this summer, the club are looking for good value-for-money options that will allow them to improve Rúben Amorim’s squad without paying a premium for high-level talent.
The side have been linked to star players in their prime, such as Victor Osimhen and Viktor Gyökeres, although there have been reports that the club are unwilling to fork out over £60 million for players over the age of 26.
There have also been links to younger strikers such as Liam Delap and Hugo Ekitike, although these players are in high demand this summer, and United would likely have to engage in a transfer battle to secure either player.
There have also been rumours that United may decide to sell Rasmus Højlund this summer amid poor form, although this decision will not be made until the summer.
Latest on David to United rumours
Regarding value-for-money, the best striker on the market this summer is no doubt Lille’s Jonathan David, who may leave the Ligue 1 side this summer once his contract expires in June, making him a free transfer.
The 25-year-old, who has 144 career goals to his name already, is not confirmed to leave Lille, but all indications point that he will.
According to the latest reports, United are engaging in “concrete talks” with the player’s representatives ahead of a possible summer move, with David of genuine interest to Amorim and his club.
However, Arsenal and Tottenham are also reportedly keen on his signature, with Barcelona also having been credited with interest of late amid the player’s admission that he would one day like to play in La Liga.
David’s perfect message for Amorim
While on international duty with Canada, David opened up to Golazo America, where he admitted that he knows if he leaves Lille for a club at the highest level, he knows he will not be guaranteed to start every week.
“Obviously, with this summer going on, I am not sure if I am staying or going. But if I do end up going, I have to push myself at the very highest level,” David explained.
“When you play for a big club, your position [in the team] is never guaranteed and you need to fight. I am never guaranteed anywhere I go to start every game and play every game – I have to perform.
“I am willing to fight. I know it’s an important year. It is a big decision. I will make a wise decision.”
David’s admission about knowing that playing time will not be guaranteed is the perfect message for Amorim to receive ahead of a potential summer transfer.
Should David sign for United, he would likely be competing for the frontman spot with Højlund, while many are hoping that 17-year-old striker Chido Obi will be afforded a host of starts next season.
The player’s admission that he knows he will have to work hard to earn his place rather than feel he has a right to start is exactly the humble and hard-working mentality that Amorim is looking for in new signings.
Regardless of which striker United will sign this summer, they will have to compete with multiple players for the position, and if Amorim’s men qualify for the Champions League next season by winning the Europa League this campaign, the club could play upwards of 60 games across 2025/26.
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