There are some concerns amongst the Manchester United fanbase about the potential signing of Hugo Ekitike from Eintracht Frankfurt this summer.
Manchester United are in desperate need of improving their forward line this summer after struggling in the final third last season.
Ruben Amorim has welcomed Matheus Cunha as his first signing of the summer while the club are also in negotiations with Brentford to sign Bryan Mbeumo.
It is also important to secure a number nine and many supporters want to sign an experienced goalscorer, such as Victor Osimhen or even perhaps Viktor Gyokeres.
However, a deal for either of those players seems unlikely now and United are looking at a potential deal for Hugo Ekitike from Eintracht Frankfurt, with reports suggesting a deal could be made for around £60 million.
There are a lot of concerns within the fanbase about this potential signing but United might be able to afford making this risk for two main reasons.
Why United can afford Ekitike risk
The biggest problem with signing someone like Ekitike is looking at the past and how young forwards have struggled at Old Trafford. Rasmus Højlund is the obvious example right now.
Obviously, just because one player has struggled, it doesn’t mean another will too. But the point is certainly one to consider, especially when you’re spending a lot of money on said player.
Ekitike would be a similar price to Højlund but the risks are not exactly the same. Not only would the 22-year-old have a better offensive unit to become part of, but he’d also not be relied on to start every week.
Cunha and – hopefully – Mbeumo are not only quality players who can support a centre-forward from behind, but either of them could also play upfront in certain games, allowing a new young striker like Ekitike to take time out or come off the bench when he’s not in firing form. Joshua Zirkzee is also there and can provide that extra support in both positions.
Højlund’s biggest problems came due to the fact that the supporting cast was not the best, and when he was struggling, he kept starting games and was not able to take a breath. Those issues don’t seem like they’d be as serious next season.
Berrada makes bold Cunha claim
Cunha’s arrival at the club has even excited Omar Berrada, with the chief executive claiming that he can play in different roles and suggests he might even be comparable to Eric Cantona.
There is clearly a high expectation on the Brazilian but he is prepared to take on that responsibility, which is exactly what a young signing like Ekitike would need.
“He’s a player that I think fans are going to love,” Berrada said in a recent interview with Andy Mitten in the United We Stand magazine.
“We can talk about his technical abilities and he can play in three different positions. He’s a playmaking attacking midfielder; he can score goals, he can make assists.
“I think he’s going to lift people off their seats. He’s got a bit of a swagger about him that people are going to really like. Dare I say, (Eric) Cantona-esque.”
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