
Manchester United’s signings of Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo came with the expected PR spins and positivity, not to mention aggressive promotions to sell shirts. But, now that the sheen has started to fade from the new toys, it is time to go back to reality. Both the attackers are good signings at market value—£62.5 million in three instalments for Cunha, and £65 (plus £6 million in add-ons) in four instalments for Mbeumo. However, the two are not nearly enough for the club to climb out of mid-table mediocrity.
There are still three glaring holes in the team. A lack of balance in midfield, a dismal goalkeeping unit and the absence of a proven striker. The best option to plug the gap in United’s midfield—Morten Hjulmand—has already been linked to the club. (Javi Guerra is seen as a cheaper alternative.) While Hjulmand is likely to be a good, albeit expensive, signing, the plan seems to be to play club captain Bruno Fernandes in the midfield. If that is the case, the midfield signing, whether it is Hjulmand or Guerra, may not be a priority.
However, it could be argued that a new goalkeeper should be the highest priority for United. Since replacing club great David de Gea, Andre Onana has proved himself to be a liability. His backup, Altay Bayindir, has also not taken the chances he has been given. To make things worse, the now-injured Onana has decided to stay, making it challenging for United to bring in a top keeper like Emi Martinez, despite the World Cup winner being interested. Highly regarded Belgian Senne Lammens, 23, seems like a more feasible option. He is said to be on the market for around £17 million. So, if United feel like they will not lose Lammens to another club, he is an option they can go back to after completing a deal for a forward.
As a result, United are looking for a striker next. The best option—Viktor Gyokeres—is moving to Arsenal. Incidentally, he was the club’s second choice, behind Liam Delap, Chelsea’s new No 9. So, after missing out on the first choice in Delap and the best choice in Gyokeres, what are the options left? And which one should the club go for. Here is a look:
Benjamin Sesko
The 6’5” Slovenian’s high ceiling makes him the best option on paper. Though only 22, Sesko has been a regular starter since 2022, first for Red Bull Salzburg and then for RB Leipzig. His physicality, finishing and dominance in transition is suitable for Amorim’s style. The issue will be price. As United will not be able to pay the release clause, reportedly close to £70 million, they will have to offer a higher fee, to get the option to pay in instalments. That means the club will have to go near the £75 million mark. It is also highly likely that the talented striker would need time and patience to adapt to the Premier League and that, more than the fee, United cannot afford.
Nicolas Jackson
The risk associated with the Sesko deal is likely to push United to Premier League-proven options. This has apparently led to Jackson. But, it would be generous to call the 24-year-old proven. In his two seasons at Chelsea, Jackson has often been meme-material with his erratic finishing and poor decision making. He still has 30 goals for Chelsea and has the physicality and sharp movement to trouble defences. But, a clear lack of temperament is not going to serve him well under the scrutiny of playing for a club like United. On top of all that, Chelsea are asking for an absurd price—reported to be around £80 million. The incompetent regime at United post Sir Alex Ferguson may have considered that a bargain. But, the INEOS-led minority ownership, has, so far, proven to be more intelligent in terms of purchases. Now would be a bad time to return to old habits.
Ollie Watkins
The poster boy for Premier League-proven, the 29-year-old has scored 15 goals or more in the league in the last three seasons. He has the highest pedigree among the remaining feasible targets for United. He has the tactical IQ to do well in Amorim’s system and has the temperament to step up for United in big games. He would have been tough to get out of Aston Villa if it was not for a rumoured falling out with Unai Emery. But, Villa could still ask for up to £60 million. It is believed that United have identified Watkins as their primary target now and as a battle-hardened campaigner, he could be the most dependable option. But, United will need to negotiate the price down to under £50 million and that too with the option to pay in instalments.
Jean-Philippe Mateta
The 28-year-old Frenchman looked destined to play out his career as a mid-level striker. But, he has hit a whole new level in the last two seasons, with 16 and 14 goals in the Premier League, respectively. If the Watkins move does not work out, he is the next best option for United. Physically dominant with remarkably improved finishing and also link-up play that has consistently improved over the last two seasons, Mateta can immediately increase United’s attacking threat. While not a star signing, he can prove to be extremely effective. And, just like Watkins, Mateta does not block the path for future No 9, like the 17-year-old Chido Obi and even a revitalised Rasmus Hojlund, as at 22, he may still have a redemption arc if allowed to develop properly.
The Redal Redal Redality
A wildcard option. Muani is fast, technical and adaptable. PSG is believed to be open to loaning him. So, as a low-cost option, he could be ideal. The 26-year-old’s career had stagnated since his big-money move to PSG in 2023. But, had a productive loan spell with Juventus in the second half of last season. He is not used to the rigours of the Premier League and his confidence would need to be managed carefully if he is to perform in England, amid constant vitriol. Therefore, on the whole, he can only be a consideration after Watkins, Mateta and Sesko.
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