Manchester United ‘hold talks’ with 17-goal star as Christopher Vivell plots free transfer

According to a new report, Manchester United have ‘held talks’ with a 17-goal star as recruitment director Christopher Vivell plots a potential free transfer.

Rúben Amorim’s vision for his Manchester United squad is starting to take shape, as the 39-year-old works to build a side capable of winning Premier League titles.

Weeks of training and five fixtures across the domestic and Europa League have helped the players adjust to Amorim’s 3-4-3 system, while he continues to evaluate their strengths and pinpoint areas for improvement.

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United are also beginning to shape their 2025 transfer plans, with a decided focus on summer activity due to a constrained January budget.

While Amorim plays a vital role in identifying the team’s priorities, recruitment efforts are being led by director of recruitment Christopher Vivell and technical director Jason Wilcox following sporting director Dan Ashworth’s dismissal.

Free transfer eyed

According to CaughtOffside, United have recently held talks with the entourage of Lille striker Jonathan David, who has scored a fantastic 17 goals across 23 appearances this season.

The Canadian international’s contract with his current club, LOSC Lille, is expiring in January, and he looks set to become a free agent this summer with no new deal in sight.

According to the report, the 24-year-old is keen on a move to England this summer, and is also on the list of London club Arsenal.

However, in a blow to United, it is Inter Milan who are said to have the strongest interest, with Inter chief Beppe Marotta “desperate” for a player of David’s profile to come

What’s next for Amorim?

The coming summer transfer window will be an intriguing saga at United as it’s the first proper transfer period they will have under Amorim.

With the 39-year-old taking stock of what improvements are needed within his squad, Amorim recently played down talk of signing a new striker as he needs his current crop to step up.

“Of course, there is a concern in that [we are not scoring a lot of goals],” began the boss, “but I think we have to improve as a team, because we have quality players that can score so many goals.

“You could feel it in the second half [against Ipswich]. We controlled the possession of the ball, but we were not dangerous. Maybe because we spent the week trying to work on build-up, and then the rest was not working.

“So we’ll try to improve as a team and Rasmus and Josh and Rash will score more goals. Even Bruno has to score more. Amad has to be better near the goal. We can score so many goals.

“You are trying to [find out] if I need a new striker to score goals. But we need to improve as a team, and these players can score more goals.”

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