A Critical Summer for Manchester United
As European football slips from their grasp, Manchester United is gearing up for a pivotal summer, focusing on acquiring a new striker to address their pressing No.9 issues. The club is eyeing players like Moise Kean, Christopher Nkunku, and Dusan Vlahovic to bolster their attack.
Once, joining Manchester United was the pinnacle of a striker's career, a chance to emulate legends like Eric Cantona and Cristiano Ronaldo. However, those days seem distant now.
Last season, United's performance was dismal, finishing 15th in the Premier League, marking their worst league standing since 1974. For the second time in 35 years, they will not participate in any European tournaments, a stark reminder of their fall from grace.
Despite having a significant budget, United's ability to attract top talent has diminished. This was evident when Viktor Gyokeres, a prolific scorer for Sporting Lisbon, opted for Arsenal instead of reuniting with his former coach at United.
Gyokeres' decision highlights a harsh reality: even with financial resources, United struggles to entice Europe's elite players.
In a positive turn, Manchester United recently secured Matheus Cunha from Aston Villa for £62.5 million, marking one of their few successful transfers in recent times.
Additionally, Ruben Amorim's team has made a second bid exceeding £60 million for Brentford's Bryan Mbeumo, who reportedly favors a move to Manchester over Tottenham, despite the latter's Europa League success.
United's most urgent need remains a reliable striker, having scored only 44 goals in 38 league matches last season—the lowest in their Premier League history.
Rasmus Hojlund, acquired for £72 million, had a challenging season, going 21 games without scoring. Meanwhile, Joshua Zirkzee managed just seven goals in 49 appearances, and Marcus Rashford's future is uncertain, alongside other key players.
United's shortlist for a new striker includes three main candidates:
Moise Kean is remembered for his disappointing tenure at Everton, where he scored only two goals in 32 Premier League matches after joining from Juventus for £25 million at just 19 years old. Reflecting on his time in England, he expressed disappointment over his struggles.
Now, at 25, Kean has revitalized his career, boasting impressive stats from last season:
Christopher Nkunku, who joined Chelsea for £52 million in June 2023, has faced injury setbacks but still managed to deliver impressive numbers.
His stats from last season include:
While some of his goals came in the Europa Conference League, his finishing ability remains noteworthy. A potential swap deal involving Alejandro Garnacho is also being considered.
Dusan Vlahovic, the most seasoned option among the three, made headlines when he chose Juventus over Arsenal in 2022 for €70 million. Now, a move to the Premier League seems imminent.
Last season, Vlahovic's performance included:
He notably scored the decisive goal in the Coppa Italia final against Atalanta. Juventus is reportedly open to a swap deal involving Jadon Sancho as Vlahovic enters the final year of his contract.
Each candidate offers unique qualities:
Manchester United requires not just a striker but a figure to reignite hope at Old Trafford. Following in the footsteps of legends like Cantona, Ronaldo, and Rooney is about more than just scoring; it's about creating memorable moments.
Who will fill this role remains to be seen as the transfer window unfolds.
