Manchester United are among the Premier League sides eyeing a former Barcelona centre-forward if a move becomes available in the coming months.
Signing forward players was a key focus in the summer transfer window for Manchester United. Matheus Cunha was the first through the door for £62.5 million from Wolverhampton Wanderers, and he has already made a huge impact on the United frontline.
While the Brazilian has only scored one goal in the Premier League, he has already formed a formidable partnership with Bryan Mbeumo in the No.10 positions. Mbeumo has been brilliant from the right-hand side, with six goals and one assist in his first 12 United appearances.
Benjamin Šeško has had an interesting start to his United career, with just two goals since his summer move from RB Leipzig. But the Slovenian has shown some signs of why United paid over the odds to sign him.
Against Tottenham Hotspur, Šeško appeared from the bench but was forced off before the final whistle, leaving United with 10 men for the final minutes of the game. While the extent of his injury isn’t yet known, United could be without Šeško for some games.
If his injury lasts over one month, Rúben Amorim will be without Šeško while Amad and Mbeumo are away at the African Cup of Nations. United may be forced to turn to the transfer market for another forward, especially if Joshua Zirkzee leaves the club due to a lack of game time.
United eye Roque with Chelsea
Vitor Roque signed for Barcelona in 2023, but only managed 16 appearances and two goals before being loaned out to Real Betis. In a full campaign for Antony’s current side, Roque managed just seven goals in 33 appearances, and he has now returned to Brazil for Palmeiras.
Despite a difficult time when he moved to Europe, Roque remains on the radar of several Premier League outfits, including United.
Speaking on the Roque situation, Pete O’Rourke of Football Insider said: “It’s an interesting one. Obviously, Roque, when he joined Barcelona from Athletico in Brazil, there was a lot of hype about him, but he really struggled to make an impact for the Catalan giants.
“Then he obviously moved back to Brazil with Palmeiras in February of this year and to be fair to him, the player has rediscovered his best form. I think Vitor Roque might be one that might be more in the summer that some clubs might look at.
“You’ve also got reported interest from Chelsea and Tottenham in Vitor Roque as well. So I think it would be more than just Manchester United who will be interested in them if he does continue his fine form for Palmeiras.”
Should United move for Roque?
Roque has netted 20 goals and five assists since his return to Brazil, in 52 appearances, and could be a good option for United, especially with the group of players at Old Trafford who already speak the same language.
It has also been noted by some who are familiar with his game that he remains one of the most “compelling” striker prospects in football.
However, signing him in the summer transfer window would make very little sense. United need a new striker through the door in January, as Šeško is struggling and Zirkzee looks set for a move away.
With Amad and Mbeumo also absent during January, United could be forced into a frontline of Mason Mount, Cunha and Bruno Fernandes. While this is good on paper, it lacks an out-and-out goal scorer, and the only attacking substitutes would be young players with limited experience in the Premier League.
Unless Amorim wants to trust Chido Obi with some senior minutes, United must look to sign a new centre-forward. Ideally, an experienced striker would be beneficial for the wealth of young talent already at the club.
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