Manchester United’s need for a new striker was laid bare as the Red Devils slumped to yet another home defeat in the Premier League, losing 0-2 to Crystal Palace on Sunday.
With Ruben Amorim far from impressed with the exploits of both of his strikers, Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee, he opted to play Kobbie Mainoo as a false nine against the Eagles.
Despite some early promising signs, the experiment ultimately did not pay any dividends with the hosts lacking any real cutting-edge.
While INEOS have brought in a left wingback and a young centre-back in the form of Patrick Dorgu and Ayden Heaven in this window, arguably the striker position is far more in need of urgent reinforcements.
Tel off the cards
Initially it seemed like Mathys Tel of Bayern Munich was who the club was eyeing to solve the goalscoring crisis with talks of a straight loan and even a loan with an option to buy.
But the Bavarians are now insisting on a permanent deal and a potential move has collapsed. And there is further bad news in store as per Laurie Whitwell of The Athletic.
The proposed move taking Mathys Tel to #MUFC is regarded as unlikely at this stage. United considering forward options but also have financial pressures, aiming to stay prudent.
Leon Bailey ruled out, similar on Christopher Nkunku.
— Laurie Whitwell (@lauriewhitwell) February 2, 2025
The Peoples Person had relayed that the 20-time English league champions were also keeping an eye on Leon Bailey of Aston Villa and Chelsea’s Christopher Nkunku as last-minute loan options.
But even those moves are off as things stand with the United hierarchy comfortable even if no signing occurs between now and the end of the window.
“The proposed move taking Mathys Tel to Manchester United is regarded as unlikely at this stage, with the club wanting to stay financially prudent into the final 24 hours of the January transfer window.
Nkunku, Bailey deals also not happening
“Sources describe talks over Tel as cool, with United calm should no further signings arrive. United have also looked at Chelsea’s Christopher Nkunku and Aston Villa’s Leon Bailey as short-term options, but neither deal is being progressed.
“Club executives are minded to only pursue transfers that make sporting and monetary sense and will not press ahead unless that is the case.”
United have let go of Marcus Rashford, Antony and Ethan Wheatley on loan and Amorim hardly has any attacking firepower at his disposal.
If nobody ends up coming in, an even more dismal six months could be in store for United fans. It is time to brace ourselves for the storm to continue.
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Ayantan Chowdhury
Ayantan has worked for 10 years in the Indian sports media industry, writing for the biggest newspapers and websites but his heart was always set on writing about his favourite club. Currently an editor at The Peoples Person. You can follow him on X: @ayantanc_25
