Manchester United’s desire to weaponise their attack could see them return for their long-term Serie A target.
Following a disappointing 2024–25 campaign in front of goal, Ruben Amorim was widely expected to revamp United’s frontline and restore its bite.
Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo have already been acquired to take on United’s number 10 roles.
A striker signing is expected to follow…
But before a new number nine is unveiled, INEOS are expected to move on some of their forwards deemed surplus to requirements.
Marcus Rashford is heading to Barcelona on loan. Alejandro Garnacho is expected to go (Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur, and Aston Villa are circling), and Jadon Sancho is heavily tipped for a switch to Juventus.
While these exits are set to boost the club’s striker budget, it now emerges that they may also spark movement elsewhere.
INEOS acknowledge a void on the wings and plans to fill it
United are expected to move for long-term winger target Dan Ndoye of Bologna in addition to the striker swoop.
According to Italian outlet Il Resto del Carlino, United are reportedly set to act on their interest, following Rashford’s exit and Garnacho’s anticipated departure.
“There is an air of auction, for Ndoye,” the newspaper claims, “because on the Manchester front United have sold Rushford to Barcelona and have not called up Garnacho for the American tour and are on the hunt for outsiders. From across the Channel they assure contacts in the next few hours with possible offers around 40-45 million.”
Enter super-agent Zirkzee?
Ndoye has also been linked with Napoli and Nottingham Forest, but Il Resto del Carlino suggests United may already have an inside man in Joshua Zirkzee:
“Zirkzee, who would have had telephone contacts with his former teammate: Among other things, the two had already talked in May, between the serious and the facetious, that they had invited each other to join each other in their respective clubs.”
United previously attempted to sign Ndoye last summer and again in January; landing him now would be a big win for INEOS.
Bologna are holding out for €50 million (£43m)
Napoli are not keen to meet that figure.
Forest, meanwhile, had a €30 million (26 million) plus €5 million (£4 million) add-ons bid rejected, but (as per the Italian newspaper) could return with €40 million (£34.7 million) following the sale of Anthony Elanga.
United appear well-placed in the race
Zirkzee’s involvement, United’s long-standing interest, and Ndoye’s history with INEOS-owned Lausanne Sport and OGC Nice could give the Red Devils an edge.
The signing could be a transfer masterstroke, especially with Mbeumo and Amad Diallo expected to miss games due to AFCON duty (between 21 December 2025 – 18 January 2026). Ndoye would offer another option as United’s right-sided number 10.
Fresh off a campaign with nine goals and six assists, the pacey Swiss winger might bring something special to Old Trafford.
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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.
