Manchester United are considering their transfer priorities for next summer and one of those could influence the departure of one player.
Manchester United bolstered Ruben Amorim’s squad with five new first-team signings in the latest summer transfer window.
Benjamin Šeško, Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha were brought in as new attackers while Senne Lammens and Diego Leon were also signed.
Despite spending over £200 million, there are still plenty of improvements needed in the squad and United are already looking ahead to next summer.
The midfield is the most obvious priority for the Reds, but reports have suggested that there is another position that the Old Trafford outfit want to strengthen in.
United’s surprising 2026 transfer priority
United’s new striker Šeško has started just two games for the club so far and the hope is that he can become the main goalscorer at Old Trafford for many years.
But the importance of attacking depth has been shown at the club in recent years, with young talent being overplayed due to the lack of alternatives.
According to a new report from TeamTalk, United are going to try and sign a backup striker in 2026, with Šeško remaining as the first-choice.
The exact type of profile was not clarified but many would assume that an experienced no.9 would be a good option to have in the squad.
Zirkzee could leave United as a result
United’s current striker options are Šeško and Joshua Zirkzee, while the likes of Mbeumo and Cunha can also play through the middle if needed.
But the aforementioned report also stated that the arrival of a new backup striker could lead to the Reds cashing in on Zirkzee, who has been described as ‘fantastic’.
The Dutch forward is not a natural no.9 and his best position is probably in the no.10 role instead but United have healthy depth in those positions.
There were rumours of a potential exit for Zirkzee in the summer but he has remained at the club. But if United secure that backup striker, it could mean that the 24-year-old departs.
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