Manchester United invested in signing Joshua Zirkzee over the summer but there are early question marks over the Dutch striker.
Rasmus Hojlund blew hot and cold in his first season at Manchester United and it became abundantly clear that another striker was needed.
United had to take he pressure off Hojlund and went back to the Serie A market with a deal to sign Joshua Zirkzee from Bologna.
So far, we are yet to see just why United paid £36million to sign Zirkzee with the Dutchman struggling for goals.
Ruud van Nistelrooy is predicting success for Zirkzee but there are legitimate questions about his suitability to lead the line for United.
That may lead United to consider other striking options moving forward and Christopher Nkunku has become a name to watch.
Manchester United could finally sign Christopher Nkunku after Ralf Rangnick backing
French newspaper L’Equipe claim that United have made enquiries into a potential deal for Chelsea forward Nkunku.
The 26-year-old has started just one Premier League game this season and United are seemingly keen.
Nkunku smashed 70 goals in 172 games for RB Leipzig, becoming one of the most in-demand attackers in Europe before joining Chelsea for £52million, as noted by Sky Sports.
Now down the pecking order at Chelsea, few could blame Nkunku for wanting to move on in 2025.
United may well make a move for the Frenchman, less than three years since Ralf Rangnick recommended a deal for Nkunku.
Rangnick urged United to sign Nkunku having watched his development with RB Leipzig due to his previous role within Red Bull.
Rangnick was also quoted by the London Evening Standard as saying that Nkunku was one of a number of ‘realistic’ names he suggested to United.
Alvaro Morata, Luis Diaz, Dusan Vlahovic, Erling Haaland and Josko Gvardiol were also on Rangnick’s wish list but United signed none of them.
Rangnick didn’t get his way at United but may now watch on as Ineos finally attempt to bring Nkunku to Old Trafford in 2025.
Ruben Amorim has to weigh up Christopher Nkunku move carefully
Additional reports from The Telegraph suggest that Nkunku is now considering his Chelsea future.
Nkunku is growing frustrated with his lack of playing time under Enzo Maresca and would seemingly be open to leaving Stamford Bridge.
United may appeal to Nkunku and new boss Ruben Amorim may take a keen interest.
Nkunku’s goals for RB Leipzig are a real mixture of technical brilliance, great movement in behind defences and predatory instincts.
Nkunku isn’t a typical centre forward like Rasmus Hojlund or Viktor Gyokeres but can drop in or even play as a number 10 if needed.
Amorim’s usual 3-4-3 tactics usually utilise two number 10’s who can drift wide, drive forward with the ball or run beyond the striker.
Nkunku has shown all of those qualities in his career but he has certainly lost some of his athleticism from injuries at RB Leipzig and Chelsea.
Another factor for Amorim to consider is Nkunku’s pressing ability, which has also declined since leaving RB Leipzig.
Maybe a lack of consistent playing time has impacted that sharpness but Chelsea’s pressing ability certainly takes a step back when Nkunku replaces Nicolas Jackson.
If Amorim wants an energetic pressing setup at United, Nkunku may not be his man, but his quality as a goalscorer cannot be ignored – especially in a United side struggling for goals this season.
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