Christopher Nkunku of Chelsea during the Premier League match between Chelsea and Ipswich Town
Chelsea's Christopher Nkunku is not understood to be a priority target for Manchester United
Manchester United are trying to right transfer wrongs.
The Reds have made a collection of expensive recruitment mistakes in the past decade and, facing a crucial summer, are determined to get things right this time around.
United have improved their offer for Brentford's Bryan Mbeumo and remain confident of landing the forward. They have already secured the signature of Mathues Cunha from Wolves having activated his release clause.
In recent days United have been linked with a surprising switch for Chelsea frontman Christopher Nkunku.
The Manchester Evening News understands Nkunku is not a priority target for Ruben Amorim's side. The Reds are keen to land a figurehead for their attack having been beaten to the signing of Liam Delap by Chelsea.
But Nkunku, 27, is not an out-and-out striker. He started 22 games for Chelsea last season, with only nine coming in the Premier League. He also lost his place in the France squad this year and has not played in more than two months due to injury.
He has struggled since signing for the Blues from RB Leipzig in 2023. The former PSG man caught the eye in Germany with a string of impressive performances and Chelsea shelled out more than £50million for his services.
But he's managed just 11 Premier League starts in two injury-hit campaigns and has slipped down the pecking order at Stamford Bridge.
In avoiding a move for the 14-cap France international, United have seemingly learnt from their recruitment mistakes of the past.
Nkunku has a dire recent injury record and the Reds cannot afford to add another player to their squad who has question marks over his ability to stay fit.
He is also at an age where there would be very little re-sale value should he be sold down the line, while he is not a natural fit for a central striker position.
United have been rightly criticised for their recruitment in recent years and perhaps in past eras would have seen Nkunku as a viable solution.
But under Ineos there has been a shift towards younger players with high ceilings, while even the additions of Cunha and Mbeumo are proven Premier League players with goalscoring returns - something Nkunku has not yet managed in two years in England.
United signed Mason Mount from Chelsea in 2023 and he has struggled amid fitness issues. There is little to suggest the talented but seemingly fragile Nkunku will fare much better. It's a gamble the Reds are right to avoid.
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