Manchester United’s biggest problem last season was the lack of goals, with their No.9 Rasmus Hojlund managing a mere four Premier League goals in the whole campaign.
Which is why INEOS have opted to bring in Premier League-proven goalscorers, with Matheus Cunha already brought onboard from Wolverhampton Wanderers, while the club is close to sealing Bryan Mbeumo’s signature from Brentford.
Both had notched over 20 goals and assists combined last season, a huge upgrade on what Ruben Amorim had at his disposal last time out.
But with Hojlund expected to leave, the Red Devils remain in the market for a ruthless finisher. But so far, their plans of adding a striker have not exactly panned out.
Striker hunt has not gone according to plan
Liam Delap has chosen to sign for Chelsea despite months of work being put in by Jason Wilcox, while Viktor Gyokeres has publicly rejected the Old Trafford side in the recent past, and would only consider a switch as a last-gasp resort, something Amorim has already declared he does not want to entertain.
Victor Osimhen’s wage demands seem to be beyond INEOS currently, so the co-owners might need to get creative to land a striker ahead of next season.
There have been increasing links with Moise Kean, who has shone for Fiorentina but struggled for Everton a few years ago. Starring in the Serie A has not always resulted in a glut of goals in the English top-flight, just ask Hojlund. Someone who is Premier League-proven and would be a cost-effective option would not be the worst call to take.
Because Amorim already has Joshua Zirkzee who can play as the No.9. While the Dutchman excels as more of an attacking midfielder, he is much better than Hojlund with his back to goal and link-up play, something both Cunha and Mbeumo would relish. Both the Brazilian and Cameroonian can also do more than a decent job up top, having played there regularly for Wolves and the Bees.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin on a free makes sense
That would allow Bruno Fernandes to play as one the attacking midfielders, a position in which he excels. So, INEOS must only spend big if they are sure of the profile they are recruiting or else, a cost-effective option who will come in as backup would do nicely. This is where Dominic Calvert-Lewin comes in.
The soon-to-be free agent has over 50 Premier League goals for the Toffees, and managed three goals and two assists last season. Not great numbers, but for a backup striker, these are not bad figures considering he completed 90 minutes on only eight occasions last season.
The season prior, he had eight goals and three assists, again respectable figures, while back in the 20/21 season, he netted 21 times while also registering five assists. His biggest asset is his physical ability and his aerial prowess, something United have lacked since Edinson Cavani and Cristiano Ronaldo left. They have no forward who is strong in the air currently when it comes to both set-piece situations or from crosses.
His strengths are what United lack at present
This has meant Amorim has had to play centre-back Harry Maguire as an auxiliary striker at times. The England international can change that.
The main worry is his injury record, with the 28-year-old missing close to 90 games due to injuries over the course of the last five years. United have faced similar problems with Luke Shaw and Mason Mount, so it is a risk.
But Dominic Calvert-Lewin will come on a free, on low wages, and with the hunger to prove a point. He knows the league inside and out, and if used correctly, could be an asset when chasing games or even when starting in certain matches.
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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
