Signing a new number nine this summer is the top priority for Manchester United, and that has led to a real clamour around several names.
This summer promises to be a blockbuster for Manchester United.
Already, it appears that United are going to sign Matheus Cunha from Wolves, which is potentially the signing of the summer, and should add plenty of goals and creativity to the attacking department, which has been toothless this season.
But Ruben Amorim needs a number nine to lead the line effectively, which is something Rasmus Hojlund has proven himself incapable of doing. This is despite Amorim being impressed with Hojlund’s latest performance, which comes as too little, too late.
Speaking prior to Thursday’s Europa League semi-final, Amorim highlighted goals as his United side’s biggest problem, as he told Viktor Gyokeres not to bother coming if his sole demand is Champions League football.
Now, United in Focus has spoken with transfer expert Graeme Bailey and discussed the situation surrounding several striker options for United this summer. Here is what he had to say.
Liam Delap
In terms of signing a striker this summer, United’s top choice so far has been £30m valued Liam Delap, but a deal is far from certain, with Chelsea looking more likely, Graeme explains.
“Delap, I do make Chelsea favourites. I think they’ve been favourites from the off I think it was very premature from United to put out that he was their number one choice.
“I think he is first choice for Jason Wilcox and Omar Berrada, is he first choice for everyone at the club? I don’t think so. Chelsea are firm favourites, they have the link with Cole Palmer, and he’s worked with Enzo Maresca before.
“He will see himself as able to go into Chelsea and start. We have to remember we are in a World Cup cycle now, ahead of the 2026 World Cup, which means players will be thinking about that. If Delap is Chelsea’s starting number nine, he will be in the England squad.”
Viktor Gyokeres
Signing Viktor Gyokeres would surely be Amorim’s top choice given their relationship, but Graeme is not convinced United will have a proper run at signing him.
“I don’t necessarily see United being hard in for Gyokeres. I’d make Arsenal firm favourites at the minute, Berta is doing an awful lot of work on him. He would be an expensive one to do for United.”
Victor Osimhen
At one stage, Victor Osimhen looked like the obvious signing up front this summer. However, since then, rumours were quashed, but Graeme insists that Osimhen is still one to watch for United, with his 31 goals this season catching the eye.
“Osimhen, United are still in for. They really, really are. he is on the list, he has been discussed by some, but there is a split at Old Trafford over doing such a big deal, weariness over such a big deal.”
Jean Philippe Mateta
With the big names not being nailed on, Graeme admits Jean-Philippe Mateta remains an option for United.
“Mateta is a player we talked about in January, he’s a player who United like and have done work on. They appreciate him as a good, solid Premier League centre forward.
“They like him a lot, they think Mateta has an awful lot of improvement in him as well. They think he could come in and be that 20-goal-a-season striker for them.”
Mateo Retegui
Another striker option who is yet to be named consistently as a target is Atalanta’s Mateo Retegui, who has 24 Serie A goals this season.
“We know that United have been watching Atalanta recently, does that mean Retegui is a player being looked at? I think it is.”
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