Ruben Amorim’s two biggest issues at Manchester United currently are the lack of goals up front and the absence of out-and-out wingback profiles in the squad.
Rasmus Hojlund has not found the back of the net in 18 games now with his confidence at an all-time low with the Dane struggling to complete even the basics during games.
As for out wide, with Amad out for the season and following Patrick Dorgu’s red card against Ipswich Town, the head coach had little option but to once again play Diogo Dalot on the left against Fulham.
While he did grab the assist for Bruno Fernandes’ equaliser, the Portuguese has struggled to affect games in an attacking sense which wingbacks are expected to do in Amorim’s system.
Striker, wingback needed
Which is why a striker and another wingback are likely to be targeted in the summer with Amorim eyeing two former Sporting proteges — Viktor Gyokeres and Geovany Quenda.
The Swedish No. 9 has 37 goals this term, more goals than United have managed this Premier League season, and could be available for £55 million once the transfer window opens.
As for Quenda, the 17-year-old has two goals and seven assists and has been an ever-present feature of the Lisbon side and he can play on either flank and further forward if needed, with versatility greatly admired by Amorim.
The Portuguese wonderkid is also open to the possibility of linking up with his former boss despite the lack of Champions League football on offer at Old Trafford.
As per transfer expert Fabrizio Romano on Givemesport, United have asked Sporting to keep them informed about Gyokeres as well as Quenda but given the financial reality around United at the moment, there is a chance INEOS can afford only one among the two.
Either Gyokeres or Quenda
“Manchester United are continuing to look at Viktor Gyokeres ahead of a potential move this summer, Fabrizio Romano has revealed to GIVEMESPORT, by stating that the Red Devils have been calling to keep informed on his situation as they look for a new striker to fix their woes in the final third of the pitch.
“However, any move could depend on the financial budget that the club has to spend over the summer months. It’s not the time to advance in transfer negotiations just yet, and with Sporting teammate Geovany Quenda also being on their shortlist, it may well be a case of one or the other for Ruben Amorim to sign.”
That is likely to be a major blow for the head coach, and now the Red Devils must try and unearth more cost-effective options.
Hojlund could yet end up staying while Liam Delap’s name is also gaining prominence given Victor Osimhen’s humongous wage demands. At wingback, if funds really dry up, academy ace Jaydan Kamason might be asked to step up.
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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
