Manchester United could move for a new striker target after hearing the centre forward is available for £44 million. He could add to Rúben Amorim’s attacking options
Manchester United’s search for a striker has been going on for the entire summer. It began with Ipswich Town’s Liam Delap, but that deal became impossible when Chelsea entered the race for the former Manchester City man.
Jason Wilcox and the recruitment team then ensured they completed the deal for Matheus Cunha from Wolverhampton Wanderers, agreeing a deal for his full £62.5 million release clause.
Next, attention turned to Bryan Mbeumo and they have finally agreed a deal for the Cameroonian, who will make his first appearance while on pre-season tour, likely in the first fixture in the USA against West Ham United.
However, United still lack a recognised centre forward signing, despite being linked to several targets throughout the window, including new Liverpool signing Hugo Ekitike.
With the Red Devils still needing to sell Antony, Alejandro Garnacho, Tyrell Malacia, and Jadon Sancho, a move for a striker could be put on the back burner while United raise funds.
United considering Muani move
With Viktor Gyokeres signing for Arsenal, all of United’s original striker targets have moved to a new club already, with further transfers set to happen after it was revealed Alexander Isak wants to leave Newcastle United.
Benjamin Sesko remains an option, but RB Leipzig will demand a high fee for the Slovenian, and he is believed to be Eddie Howe’s preferred striker signing, so United may have to pivot to another target.
Paris Saint-Germain’s Kolo Muani could be the man Wilcox focuses his attention on, after the striker’s 10 goals on loan at Juventus, despite just being there for the second half of the season.
Muani appears to be out of favour at PSG and ESPN have reported that United could make a move for the Frenchman, stating that he could be available for £44 million, or on a loan deal with an obligation to buy.
If United don’t move for the young striker, they could be forced into another season with Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee as the two centre forwards, with Chido Obi waiting in the wings.
Zirkzee to be given the starting role
Hojlund seriously struggled for United last season, scoring just 10 goals in 52 appearances, and the pressure appeared to take its toll on the young Dane, but Zirkzee also struggled, so picking a first-choice could be difficult.
However, with Cunha and Mbeumo now set to play behind the centre forward, playing Zirkzee from the start could make the most sense, as he could get the best out of the two new signings.
Unlike most strikers, Zirkzee can be creative and use his quick feet to create chances for his teammates behind him, and this could be best when Cunha and Mbeumo are playing together.
The two new signings are both shoot-first players, and so is Hojlund, but playing Zirkzee could offer balance to the frontline, rather than playing three players who won’t pass to each other in the final third.
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