Ruben Amorim, speaking ahead of Manchester United’s Bodo/Glimt clash in the Europa League, did not sound like a man giving up on Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee.
Yes, a pair strikers with only two Premier League goals between them in 2024/25 can – and should – be contributing more.
But, alongside Marcus Rashford, Bruno Fernandes and Amad Diallo, Ruben Amorim’s focus is fixed upon developing the talent already at his disposal rather than, as many Manchester United predecessors have done in the recent past, relying on the transfer market for an expensive quick fix.
Still, Amorim’s desire to work with and improve Hojlund, Zirkzee, Rashford and co has not stopped the rumour mill from turning.
This month alone, Man United have been linked with Eintracht Frankfurt’s Omar Marmoush, Paris Saint-Germain’s Randal Kolo Muani, Galatasaray loanee Victor Osimhen and Bayer Leverkusen hitman Victor Boniface.
Manchester United’s Victor Boniface hopes look slim
According to Sky Germany, Boniface is an option for the Red Devils, albeit for the summer rather than the winter.
But while Bayer Leverkusen are already holding all the cards due to the length of Boniface’s contract – he signed a five-year deal when joining from Union Saint-Gilloise for £20 million back in 2023 – the German giants appear to be leaving nothing to chance.
BILD say that Leverkusen hope to further protect Boniface’s value by extending his current deal until the summer of 2029.
Fortunately, with the Nigeria international happy and settled at the Bay Arena, a Leverkusen side who retained the services of Florian Wirtz, Xabi Alonso, Jeremie Frimpong and co over the summer will not be loosing too much sleep at the prospect of Manchester United’s interest.
“My current focus is solely on Leverkusen,” Boniface told reporters back in April, once the club’s long-awaited first-ever Bundesliga title was secured. “[I’m concentrating on] striving to aid the team in achieving further milestones.
“It will undoubtedly stand as one of my proudest moments ever.”
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Bayer Leverkusen star idolises Chelsea legend DIdier Drogba
A physically imposing centre-forward yet one blessed with excellent footwork and a deft touch, 23-year-old Boniface produced an outstanding 21 goals and ten assists as Leverkusen secured a domestic double in 2023/24.
He’s hit the net eight times in 15 appearances this term, too. Boniface, who had a spell at Man United’s Europa League opponents Bodo/Glimt between 2019 and 2022, may have to wait until 2025 to find the net again however after suffering a thigh injury.
Boniface has been likened to Bayern Munich legend Robert Lewandowski. Though it is a striker who caused Man United no end of headaches down the years who the well-travelled number nine idolises.
“Do I want Boniface closer to the goal, like [Didier] Drogba? He has many qualities that can bring him closer to [Drogba’s] level,” Alonso says, explaining how Boniface can emulate the Chelsea icon.
“Sometimes, he needs to be more aggressive in attacking the goal.”
Ruben Amorim will make his Old Trafford bow against Boniface’s old Norwegian employers on Thursday night. Marcus Rashford opened the scoring just two minutes in against Ipswich Town last time out, though Amorim insists the onus is on the Man United graduate and his fellow forwards to prove they can shoulder the burden of responsibility in the final third.
“[A lack of goals] is a concern,” Amorim said during his pre-match press conference. “But we have to improve as a team. We can score more goals.”
“[For Rashford, the number nine] position is not the best one for him. We will try to find the right solution for him but he has to be Marcus to return to [his best form]. He has to be the first one to want it. He will have all the help of all the staff and fans. He is a Manchester United boy.
“Rasmus and Josh will score more goals. Amad has to be better nearer the goal. Bruno, as well, has to score more goals.”
Fail to heed Amorim’s message, however, and this is where Victor Boniface could come in.
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