Manchester United have reportedly “withdrawn” from the race to sign a 146-goal striker despite the player’s desire to sign under Rúben Amorim this summer.
Manchester United are ramping up efforts to strengthen their attack this summer after a disappointing 2024/25 season that saw them finish 15th in the Premier League and fall short in the Europa League final.
Goals were in short supply, with Bruno Fernandes finishing as top scorer on 19, while Amad and Alejandro Garnacho each chipped in with 11. No player managed to reach the 20-goal mark.
To address the issue, United are turning to the transfer market. Matheus Cunha is set to sign in a £62.5 million move, and Bryan Mbeumo has given the green light for a potential switch from Brentford.
Rúben Amorim’s side remain on the lookout for further attacking options, but one target is already off the table, as Liam Delap has completed a move to Chelsea.
United withdraw from race to sign David
Amid United being in a precarious financial position this summer, there have been links to the free agent market, with Lille’s Jonathan David the most high-profile striker available for free.
United have been linked with the Canadian international, and David is said to be taking his time before picking his next club.
However, a fresh report from Corriere dello Sport has explained that United are one of several clubs who are “gradually withdrawing” from the race to sign him after securing Cunha.
This is despite the player having a move to Amorim’s side, Barcelona or Paris Saint-Germain as his three priority destinations.
PSG, Inter Milan, and Napoli have all held interest but are reassessing their options, with Juventus being the only significant club who find themselves in pole position, although Barcelona are also still considering the player with 146 career goals to his name.
United’s next purchase will come after sales
United are set to focus on outgoings this summer as Amorim begins to reshape the squad at Old Trafford, with the majority of the club’s initial summer budget being spent on the two attacking incoming so far.
The club have already landed Cunha from Wolves for £62.5 million and are in active discussions with Brentford over Mbeumo, though their initial £45 million offer plus £10 million in add-ons was turned down.
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Recruitment efforts are centred on bringing in a striker and a midfielder, with a new goalkeeper also under consideration should André Onana depart.
Alongside a number of players leaving on free transfers at the end of the month, further departures are expected as United look to refresh the squad.
Marcus Rashford, Antony, Jadon Sancho, and Tyrell Malacia look like certainties to exit, while the futures of Rasmus Højlund and Kobbie Mainoo are also in doubt.
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