Manchester United’s summer transfer plans explained, it’s why they didn’t sign a striker last month

Manchester United’s summer transfer fans are coming to the fore in the media, and it explains why they didn’t sign a forward this month.

Manchester United’s 2025 winter transfer window has come under heavy criticism from fans after the club failed to strengthen key areas of Rúben Amorim’s squad.

United added defensive reinforcements with the signings of Patrick Dorgu and Ayden Heaven, but the absence of attacking additions has left supporters frustrated.

Meanwhile, three first-team forwards – Marcus Rashford, Antony, and Ethan Wheatley – departed on loan, alongside several Academy players who moved temporarily in search of game time.

One bright spot is the signing of highly rated left-back Diego Leon, who will officially join United on 1 July after finishing the season with Cerro Porteño in Paraguay.

What United think about the January window

According to The Athletic, United saw this window as a chance to get rid of players who are deemed to be at odds with Amorim’s philosophy and the culture he wants to establish at Old Trafford.

Rashford has been in opposition to Amorim for many weeks and has since been sent on loan to Aston Villa, while Antony and Tyrell Malacia, who are other significant first-team members, have headed on loan with their futures at the club in jeopardy with no clear space for them.

The aforementioned report states that United’s main goals were to get rid of such players, sign a left wing-back, and keep the club financially stable. By dumping over £1 million a month in wages off their books as well as signing Dorgu, United have done just that.

As far as the club are concerned, they have achieved the main goals they set out to do, and any further improvements to Amorim’s squad will take place in the summer window.

Why United chose not to sign a striker

Despite three first-team forwards all departing, United refused to make any panic purchases and sign a striker on deadline day, with multiple reports, including The Athletic, stating that United are relaxed and satisfied with the outcome of the winter window.

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The report states that United chose not to pursue any attackers that weren’t long-term investments because using January to keep the club on firm financial footing will allow them to sign a long-term first-team striker this summer.

United spent £108 million on Joshua Zirkzee and Rasmus Højlund in the last 18 months, but both players are currently performing well below expectations, meaning the club will need to reinvest in the forward position once again this summer.

With United eyeing the summer market for striker options, they will no doubt look to see which strikers could transfer to the Old Trafford ground, with both Victor Osimhen and Viktor Gyökeres primed for moves.

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