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It’s effectively established that Manchester United are intent on signing a striker.
However their pursuit has been a irritating one, with main targets heading elsewhere.
Irritating striker chase
Liam Delap has gone to Chelsea, Hugo Ekitike is becoming a member of Liverpool, and Viktor Gyokeres is Arsenal-bound.
Lacking out on all three has dealt United a substantial blow.
Nonetheless, there are notable options INEOS may pivot to.
Benjamin Sesko is accessible, however just for £60 million plus. Nicolas Jackson has been talked about, and Alexander Isak now looms as a recent switch alternative.
Any of this trio would have been an improve on what Ruben Amorim labored with final season.
However in response to Chris Wheeler, a marquee striker signing is now off the desk.
Man Utd rule out a transfer for unsettled Newcastle star Alexander Isak and different costly choices like Benjamin Sesko and Nicolas Jackson as they wrestle to afford a brand new striker after spending greater than £130m on Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha #mufc
— Chris Wheeler (@ChrisWheelerDM) July 24, 2025
Man United weigh cut price choices
That shifts the main target to cost-effective selections.
Ollie Watkins may have represented such worth, however Aston Villa won’t let him go on a budget.
Studies counsel a £60 million tag on his head, and even when they softened, the determine would nonetheless be excessive.
May Mbeumo be the reply?
If United are usually not determined sufficient to signal simply anybody, ESPN believes they could have a ready-made answer in-house.
The outlet reveals:
“One potential answer to the issue is for Amorim to play Mbeumo as a central striker quite than one of many No.10s in his 3-4-3 system.”
It’s simple to see the logic behind this. Mbeumo registered 20 targets and seven assists throughout 38 league appearances final time period, numbers that again a daring transition.
Tactical shift with extra advantages
Deploying Mbeumo up entrance may resolve extra than simply the striker dilemma.
His signing had prompted hypothesis that Bruno Fernandes could be taking part in a deep midfield function.
Whereas Fernandes may flourish as a deep-lying playmaker, his tendency to push ahead and become involved within the remaining third usually leaves midfield an area that rivals can exploit.
Nonetheless, taking part in Mbeumo because the striker would permit the United skipper to play as a quantity 10, which ought to see Amorim set up a strong midfield pivot for added defensive assurance.
It’s a tweak that provides each structural integrity and attacking fluidity.
Solely three gamers outscored Mbeumo within the Premier League final season.
If he picks up the place they left off and is given the keys to United’s assault, the considered it’s horrifying, however not for United followers.
Featured picture Richard Heathcote through Getty Photos
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