Manchester United have revealed their stance on recruiting a striker in the summer transfer window, amidst rumours linking the club to Viktor Gyokeres and Liam Delap.
As Manchester United prepare for the Europa League final, there is little doubt that a new striker will be a top priority in the upcoming transfer window.
Rasmus Højlund has endured a disappointing second season, managing just 10 goals in all competitions and struggling to make a meaningful impact on the pitch.
His Premier League record paints a bleak picture—four goals in 31 appearances, with his overall contribution leaving much to be desired. As a result, strengthening the striker position is essential this summer.
One name that continues to circulate is Viktor Gyökeres, who thrived under Rúben Amorim at Sporting. Although Arsenal is reportedly leading the race, Manchester United remain firmly in contention for his signature.
United chiefs have different opinions on striker situation
A deal looks to have been struck for United to sign Brazilian forward Matheus Cunha from Wolves. Cunha will take up the role behind the striker, but fans have been left quizzing which centre forward will be brought to lead the line, and the answer is unclear despite United being linked to a number of players.
As per United in Focus, transfer insider Graeme Bailey has stated that inside the club, there have been a number of disagreements. Internally, they are split on the decision and have yet to come to an agreement over the most suitable path.
“There remains a split at Manchester United over their plans for their new striker,” Bailey explained. “Liam Delap has emerged as their top target for their footballing department, with technical director Jason Wilcox convinced that the Ipswich Town striker is the best option for the club.
“However, Amorim and his coaching staff believe that a ready-made number nine would be the better route for them to take as a team.”
United’s recent Gyökeres U-turn now makes sense
United have stepped up their search for a striker by holding talks with Liam Delap after receiving the green light from Ipswich Town.
Meanwhile, Sporting CP frontman Viktor Gyökeres remains one of Amorim’s top choices, though the Swedish forward has yet to make a final decision regarding his future.
United still believe a move for Gyökeres is possible, but much will hinge on whether they secure Champions League qualification. That objective could be achieved if they win the upcoming Europa League Final, making the match a critical moment in their summer planning.
Bailey further explains: “Gyokeres is a player that Amorim and his staff now, and they have made it know their feelings about him being a good fit or someone of his ilk with more experience, such as a Victor Osimhen type player.
“Gyokeres is very much on the radar of Arsenal and it is believed he is enticed by the prospect of joining The Gunners. He has not made a final decision, which in theory gives United hope that they could lure him – if they made a move.
“We understand winning the Europa League and securing Champions League football could be crucial to securing a deal such as Gyokeres as he is well in excess of £50million – and with Cunha already arriving, that would represent in excess of £100million.
“Some of which will almost certainly be offset by the sales of Alejandro Garnacho and Rasmus Højlund.”
Earlier this year, initial reports revealed that United were wary of signing Gyökeres as they were not sold on committing the funds needed, just shy of £60 million, to sign a player who is 26 compared to a 22-year-old Delap for 30 million.
However, it has been stated more recently that United are pressing ahead with the possibility of securing the Swedish international this summer, with L’Equipe claiming that the Old Trafford side are the only club to have taken affirmative action to secure the player.
Considering Wilcox and Amorim are at odds as to which striker will be better suited to the club, United’s decision to reverse their initial stance on Gyökeres and enter the race to sign him this summer, as both parties secure what they want, and United have extra firepower up front.
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