United expected to use surprise star as centre forward this season, rather than buying a striker – report

It is well established that Manchester United are intent on signing a striker.

But their pursuit has been a frustrating one, with primary targets heading elsewhere.

Frustrating striker chase

Liam Delap has gone to Chelsea, Hugo Ekitike is joining Liverpool, and Viktor Gyokeres is Arsenal-bound.

Missing out on all three has dealt United a considerable blow.

Still, there are notable alternatives INEOS could pivot to.

Benjamin Sesko is available, but only for £60 million plus. Nicolas Jackson has been mentioned, and Alexander Isak now looms as a fresh transfer opportunity.

Any of this trio would have been an upgrade on what Ruben Amorim worked with last season.

But according to Chris Wheeler, a marquee striker signing is now off the table.

Man Utd rule out a move for unsettled Newcastle star Alexander Isak and other expensive options like Benjamin Sesko and Nicolas Jackson as they struggle to afford a new striker after spending more than £130m on Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha #mufc

— Chris Wheeler (@ChrisWheelerDM) July 24, 2025

Man United weigh bargain options

That shifts the focus to cost-effective choices.

Ollie Watkins could have represented such value, but Aston Villa will not let him go on the cheap.

Reports suggest a £60 million tag on his head, and even if they softened, the figure would still be high.

Could Mbeumo be the answer?

If United are not desperate enough to sign just anyone, ESPN believes they may have a ready-made solution in-house.

The outlet reveals:

“One potential solution to the problem is for Amorim to play Mbeumo as a central striker rather than one of the No.10s in his 3-4-3 system.”

It is easy to see the logic behind this. Mbeumo registered 20 goals and 7 assists across 38 league appearances last term, numbers that back a bold transition.

Tactical shift with more benefits

Deploying Mbeumo up front could solve more than just the striker dilemma.

His signing had prompted speculation that Bruno Fernandes would be playing a deep midfield role.

While Fernandes could flourish as a deep-lying playmaker, his tendency to push forward and get involved in the final third often leaves midfield a space that rivals can exploit.

However, playing Mbeumo as the striker would allow the United skipper to play as a number 10, which should see Amorim establish a robust midfield pivot for added defensive assurance.

It is a tweak that offers both structural integrity and attacking fluidity.

Only three players outscored Mbeumo in the Premier League last season.

If he picks up where they left off and is given the keys to United’s attack, the thought of it is frightening, but not for United fans.

Featured image Richard Heathcote via Getty Images

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