A striker signing was thought to be top of INEOS’ agenda this summer.
Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee, with just seven Premier League goals last season, did not do enough to stake their claim as United’s number nine.
Surely, head coach Ruben Amorim needs an upgrade in attack. Fortunately for him, INEOS opted for wholesale changes there.
They were keen not only to sign a striker but also two number 10s. Matheus Cunha has already joined, and hopefully, Bryan Mbeumo is on his way.
Challenging striker chase
While there has been some success in the double 10 swoop, signing a striker has proven challenging.
Some top strikers were linked with Liam Delap, Viktor Gyokeres and Hugo Ekitike on the list. However, United have struggled to secure any of their first-choice targets.
Delap opted for Chelsea. Gyokeres is closing in on a move to Arsenal. Ekitike, at £85 million, appears to be an unattainable deal.
There are suggestions of targeting “second choice” options, such as Ollie Watkins, Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Jamie Vardy.
While some argue that these alternatives (preferably Watkins) could offer Amorim the striking threat he craves, others question the logic behind this approach.
If it is already difficult to move players on, why add another body only to struggle to offload them?
By signing a Plan B striker, INEOS may need to revisit the striker position sooner rather than later.
So what if the transfer was put on ice, ready to be reactivated later on?
Can the striker signing be postponed?
It may be wise not to panic-buy a striker when top targets are unattainable; it could prove a costly blunder.
Besides, signing a striker without Champions League football, and with other top sides like Liverpool, Napoli, Chelsea and Arsenal also in the market, was always going to be tricky.
United desperately need to inject goals into Amorim’s team.
Landing Cunha, off a 15-goal, six-assist league campaign, and Mbeumo (once he joins), off a 20-goal, seven-assist season, does just that.
Beyond the recruits, Bruno Fernandes (eight goals, 10 assists) and Amad Diallo (eight goals, six assists), the team’s top scorers in the league, can also contribute.
Zirkzee could also be a big winner of Mbeumo and Cunha’s arrival, as their playmaking and goal-scoring abilities, once they gel, could pose a problem for opponents.
Hojlund, who Fabrizio Romano confirmed wants to stay (and has not been transfer-listed), could benefit from improved service from the new number 10s.
Lest we forget, he netted five goals in six Champions League matches during the 2024–25 season, underlining his goal-scoring pedigree.
That, coupled with five goals in four league games, which earned him the February 2024 Premier League Player of the Month award, hinted at his potential.
He had a promising maiden season. However, for much of last season, he was uninspiring, a shadow of his former self. If he rediscovers his confidence, he could return to form and fulfil his promise.
United could still improve without signing a striker.
What else can INEOS do?
Shelving the striker signing, INEOS can still elevate Amorim’s project as they aim to win the league by 2028.
Funds earmarked for a number nine can be redirected to other transfer needs.
Andre Onana’s shaky performances (Altay Bayindir’s too) held the team back. His struggles infected the defence, dragging down their levels.
A top-class goalkeeper (like Diogo Costa) should be signed.
Amorim also wants an athletic midfielder, comfortable on the ball, to aid progression and possession. Atalanta’s Ederson has been linked. The Brazilian is available for a reasonable fee and could bring much-needed quality to United’s engine room.
Going for a centre-back signing (Jan Bisseck has been linked) to replace Jonny Evans and Victor Lindelof would also be a wise move.
A strong starting XI
Channelling the striker funds to a goalkeeper, midfielder, and defender signing would strengthen the spine of Amorim’s system for a strong starting XI that looks like this:
No striker signing, no problem. Just as Amorim spotted Gyokeres at Coventry, he would eventually uncover another gem to complete his dream United side.
Featured image Wagner Meier via Getty Images
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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.
