Manchester United eyeing “goal machine” star as Viktor Gyökeres alternative, he’s one of three striker targets

Manchester United are reportedly eyeing three strikers as an alternative to Viktor Gyökeres, with one of them said to be a “goal machine” in the Bundesliga.

Manchester United are expected to prioritise attacking reinforcements this summer as Rúben Amorim’s side continue to struggle in front of goal.

United’s lack of firepower has been a recurring issue this season, with the team frequently failing to score more than once per game. Their inconsistency at Old Trafford has only added to concerns.

Last month, the club loaned out several first-team forwards, with Antony joining Real Betis, Marcus Rashford moving to Aston Villa, and Ethan Wheatley heading to Walsall for the remainder of the season.

Despite these departures, United did not bring in any attacking reinforcements during the January window. Their only additions were defensive signings—left-back Patrick Dorgu from Lecce and centre-back Ayden Heaven from Arsenal—though Amorim has hinted that Dorgu could also be utilised in a more advanced role.

United eyeing Openda transfer

Eaerlier this week, it was rported that United are unlikely to try and sign Viktor Gyökeres this summer as they are unsure on comitting over £60 million on a player who will turn 27 in the summer.

According to journalist Graeme Bailey, United are therefore looking at alternatives, with one of those being RB Leipzig front man Loïs Openda.

Speaking to UnitedInFocus, Bailey explained that United like the look of 24-year-old Openda, who the Bundesliga themselves have described as a “goal machine” and the player having scored ten goals and provided nine assists this campaign so far.

Further, Openda netted 28 goals and provided seven assists in 45 appearances last campaign, averaging a goal contribution every 98 minutes.

United looking at two other strikers

Further, Bailey stated that Amorim’s club are also keen on Ipswich Town’s Liam Delap as well as Openda’s teammate Benjamin Sesko.

Read More: Rúben Amorim’s biggest difference with Erik ten Hag speaks volumes about Manchester United’s summer window

“I hear that in an ideal world, they would like two in the long term, a Liam Delap and a Gyokeres but obviously in the summer that would be very difficult,” Bailey said.

“United do like Delap an awful lot, but he’s a bigger risk than some of the others from what I’ve heard, similar to [Rasmus] Højlund and [Joshua] Zirkzee.

“Benjamin Sesko is a player they’re in for, but they accept he would rather join one of the London teams.”

Make sure to follow UtdDistrict on X, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok to never miss out on any of our Manchester United content. Our podcast, What the Devil?, is released every Wednesday at 6 pm (BST) on the United View YouTube channel.