The 2024–25 campaign was a bitter disappointment for Manchester United, who slumped to 15th in the Premier League with just 42 points.
There is some optimism about next season, boosted by the 2-1 Premier League Summer Series win over West Ham.
But United cannot rely on hope; they must resolve one key issue: the attack. Without goals, that optimism will not translate into success.
The arrivals of Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha offer upgrades to United’s frontline. Yet manager Ruben Amorim still lacks a reliable striker.
United must find that striker, be it Ollie Watkins, Benjamin Sesko, or another proven goal threat.
If they do not, Amorim will need to work some serious magic with the options he already has.
A return to the Champions League hinges on United’s attacking sharpness. Here’s why
Newcastle secured fifth place last season with 66 points, edging Aston Villa on goal difference, despite finishing on the same points.
United were poor defensively, yes, but not disastrously so. They conceded just seven more goals than Newcastle and three more than Villa.
It is fair to say it was not the defence that buried them; it was their misfiring attack.
Goals win games, and United did not score enough. Newcastle netted 68 (24 more), Villa 58 (14 more), both comfortably ahead of United’s 44 goals.
The lack of firepower defined United’s season more than any defensive lapse, which is why reinforcing the frontline became a priority.
INEOS should go all in and channel the remaining budget into landing a consistent goalscorer, even if it means shelving other transfers.
Mbeumo (20 goals, seven assists) and Cunha (15 goals, six assists) combined for 48 goal contributions last season.
Even if they do not hit those numbers straight away, their presence should sharpen United’s attack.
Amorim needs a striker capable of scoring 15 to 20 league goals (to ease pressure on Mbeumo and Cunha)
Whether it is Rasmus Hojlund (who disappointingly only scored four goals last season) and Joshua Zirkzee (who only had three league goals) stepping up, Chido Obi breaking through, or a new signing hitting the ground running, United must reach their attacking ceiling.
With more goals and Andre Onana stepping up between the sticks, Champions League qualification becomes a real possibility.
That would put United back on track and keep alive their bold ambition of winning the league by 2028.
Featured image Maja Hitij via Getty Images
Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social
Daniel Onguko
Since Dan was introduced to Manchester United in 2008, he has lived and breathed the club. What started as being a fan evolved into writing about United, allowing him to feel part of their journey. Hopefully, his work might even help rekindle your love for the kings of Manchester.
