Despite the Fergie time win over Rangers in the Europa League on Thursday, it is clear to see that Manchester United need a ruthless finisher up front.
Alejandro Garnacho, Harry Maguire and Amad Diallo were all guilty of spurning gilt-edged chances with Bruno Fernandes’ injury-time winner sparing Ruben Amorim’s blushes.
Profligacy has cost the Red Devils big time this season with the form of both forwards — Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee nothing to write home about.
Which is why ESPN have claimed that the Old Trafford side are looking at Chelsea’s Christopher Nkunku as an attacking addition this January.
Nkunku remains a January target
This update comes amid the Blues’ interest in Garnacho and a swap deal cannot be ruled out at this stage should the Argentine actually end up departing.
“Manchester United have asked to be kept informed of developments regarding Christopher Nkunku’s future, a source has told ESPN, while Chelsea continue to weigh-up a formal move for Alejandro Garnacho.”
The Frenchman, who moved to Stamford Bridge in 2023, has 13 goals this season but only two of them have come in the Premier League with Enzo Maresca preferring Nicholas Jackson in league games.
The former Paris Saint-Germain star has been mainly used in the cup competitions, with Nkunku on fire in the Conference League where he has notched seven goals in as many games.
Nkunku has been on fire despite limited chances
Despite starting in less than half of the club’s games this season, the France international is the club’s second-top scorer, only one goal behind Cole Palmer.
United have been long-term admirers of the former RB Leipzig star but they will have competition in the form of Bayern Munich if they are to secure his signature.
The French forward can play as a striker, as a No 10 and can also do a decent job out wide and his versatility could be a huge asset to have for Amorim.
He is not the only Chelsea attacker on United’s radar, with Joao Felix also of interest to INEOS. Whether they ask for either of them in exchange for Garnacho remains to be seen.
Feature image Mike Hewitt via Getty Images
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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
