Manchester United’s barren run in front of goal in the Premier League continued in the Manchester derby as the Red Devils failed to get on the scoresheet yet again.
The hosts had 13 shots to Manchester City’s nine while in the previous game against Nottingham Forest, they accrued a total of 23 shots.
In other words, 36 shots and zero goals makes for grim reading which is exactly why Ruben Amorim is desperate for attacking reinforcements in the summer.
He is not convinced by Rasmus Hojlund and wants him gone but INEOS it will be difficult to sell him for a profit given his woeful form, which is why a loan exit could be on the cards.
Striker hunt
As far as replacements are concerned, Viktor Gyokeres was the head coach’s primary choice owing to their great relationship while at Sporting CP.
But the Swede has plans of playing in the Champions League, something the Old Trafford side might not be in a position to offer. Which is why the club have shifted focus to Victor Osimhen, who has no such demands.
The 20-time English league champions have even submitted a first proposal while both Napoli and United have been in touch but the Nigerian’s wage demands are quite excessive, something INEOS might not be in a position to pay.
Which is why more cost-effective options like Liam Delap of Ipswich Town and Udinese’s Lorenzo Lucca are being monitored. And now, TBR Football have revealed that Everton striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin is also on United’s agenda.
The fact that he is a free agent is a huge bonus for interested clubs with the England international generating interest all throughout Europe with United getting in touch with his camp as recently as February.
Calvert-Lewin interest
The Toffees are still trying to persuade him to stay but David Moyes’ team is fighting a losing battle. The No 9 is currently out injured.
“TBR Football understands that Everton striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin is attracting interest from a number of clubs ahead of a potential free transfer move this summer.
“David Moyes’ side haven’t given up hope of the striker signing a new contract, but they are yet to make progress. Despite his injury concerns, the chance to land a player of his calibre on a free transfer is attracting attention from a number of clubs.
“Newcastle retain their strong interest in Calvert-Lewin – Eddie Howe is a huge fan of the striker and the prospect of signing the striker on a free transfer has been impossible to ignore at St James’ Park.
“Nottingham Forest and West Ham have also made enquiries, as have Manchester United. United made contact in February but at this point their interest has not progressed any further.
Injury issues
“It’s worth mentioning that there is also interest on the continent – TBR understands that Marseille, AC Milan, Juventus and RB Leipzig are among those to have considered a move.”
The Englishman has three goals and two assists from 19 starts this season while last year he had eight goals and three assists to his name. Not great numbers by any stretch of the imagination but that is because of his injury problems.
The 28-year-old has missed 58 games combined in the last five seasons, which is a huge cause for concern for any suitor. But the last time he was relatively fit, the England international managed 21 goals back in the 20/21 season.
As a backup option, Calvert-Lewin on a free is not a bad shout but signing only him given his injury record is asking for trouble. The final budget will ultimately decide which player the co-owners sign.
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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
