Manchester United’s need for a ruthless goalscorer is pretty apparent with only four teams scoring fewer than them this Premier League season.
Rasmus Hojlund’s form has been particularly disappointing with the Dane managing only two league goals so far while he has not found the back of the net in the last 14 games.
Ruben Amorim is open to his departure in the summer with Juventus and West Ham chasing his signature. Summer signing Joshua Zirkzee has also not been clinical in front of goal, scoring only five times in 36 games.
Most reports seemed to indicate that the head coach would favour a reunion with his former Sporting CP protege Viktor Gyokeres but the Swede would like to move to a club in the Champions League, something the Red Devils might not be able to provide.
Ruthless finisher needed
Liam Delap of Ipswich Town was identified as a potential option but the 22-year-old seems to prefer a move to Chelsea which means the club might be forced to look elsewhere.
Fichajes have claimed that the club have identified Julian Alvarez of Atletico Madrid as the perfect option to lead the club’s attack moving forwards.
The Argentine has scored 17 times and registered four assists in 36 games for the Spanish giants and would reportedly cost €150 million next summer.
The World Cup winner fits the INEOS bill as he is young and has Premier League experience, having won both the Premier League and Champions League with fierce rivals Manchester City.
Atletico would prefer to hold on to the 25-year-old but his sale could have a huge bearing on their financial capabilities, which is why Diego Simeone is reluctantly open to the prospect of losing Alvarez after only one season.
“Julián Álvarez has become the name that is most frequently mentioned in Manchester United ‘s offices. The Atlético de Madrid striker has proven to be a difference-maker and the English club is willing to go all out to secure his services.
“With an offer of 150 million euros on the table, the “Red Devils” are looking to strengthen their attack with a guaranteed goalscorer, and the Argentine fits the profile they need perfectly.
Alvarez on United’s radar
“Atlético de Madrid, aware of his value, find themselves at a crossroads. On the one hand, selling him would provide a huge financial boost that would allow them to strengthen several positions in the squad.
“However, losing a striker of his calibre could weaken the team’s offensive structure. The decision will not be easy, but with such a high offer, the chances of him leaving in the summer are high.”
Given United’s PSR woes, such a huge outlay seems beyond the realms of possibility. And without Champions League football, Alvarez would also not prefer to make the switch.
All in all, even if the report is an exciting one, it needs to be taken with a huge pinch of salt.
Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social
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
