Manchester United have been a side who have so often been known for their ability to win trophies, but that’s something that has been hard to come by in recent years.
The Red Devils have only won two trophies since 2020, none of which were the Premier League, now going over a decade without a triumph since Sir Alex Ferguson’s departure.
However, big money has been spent to try and end such a drought, but they’ve so far been unsuccessful in the quest, needing added funding throughout the summer window.
Ruben-Amorim-1
Ruben Amorim is the latest manager to try and cement himself in the club’s history, but has so far shown no signs of winning the division, achieving a win percentage of just 40%.
He appears to have been given the benefit of the doubt after taking the reins mid-season, but he will have to make a quick start next season if he is to be a success at the Theatre of Dreams.
The latest on United’s hunt for new additions this summer
Bryan Mbeumo has been the main player linked with United over recent weeks, with the player himself expressing his desire to move to Old Trafford this summer.
However, after the Red Devils’ second offer of £62.5m was rejected, Brentford’s sporting director, Phil Giles, stated that the Cameroonian would be happy to stay in London if their asking price wasn’t met.
Mbeumo-Man-Utd
Another name has been mentioned as a potential addition this summer, with Aston Villa talisman Ollie Watkins remaining a key target, according to The Athletic’s latest update.
They claim that the Red Devils have been in contact with the fellow top-flight outfit over a move to Old Trafford after he bagged 17 goals and 14 assists across all competitions in 2024/25.
It also states that Rasmus Hojlund could be offloaded, with the English international just one player they are considering a move for to bolster their attacking department.
Why United’s latest target could be Amorim’s answer to Isak
Alexander Isak is a player who has proved to be a constant threat to countless backlines in the Premier League, as seen by his staggering goalscoring tallies.
Newcastle United's Alexander Isak celebrates scoring their first goal
The Swedish international has registered 62 goals in his 109 appearances for the Magpies, including back-to-back 20-goal campaigns in England’s top-flight.
As a result of his tremendous goalscoring record for Eddie Howe’s side, he’s been constantly touted with big-money moves away from St James’ Park, but a £150m price tag has been mooted.
The Red Devils themselves have been seen as a potential destination in recent days, but a move is extremely unlikely given his price tag and the club’s lack of European football.
However, they could land their own version of Isak this window with a move for Watkins, as the Villa star has been labelled as a similar player to the Swede by FBref.
Ollie-Watkins-3
When comparing the pair’s respective figures from last season, the Englishman has managed to outperform him in numerous key areas, potentially providing an excellent attacking option for Amorim’s side.
Watkins, who’s been labelled by podcaster Rohan Jivan "one of the best centre-forwards in Europe," has registered slightly fewer goal contributions, but matched him for goals per shot on target, whilst getting more of his efforts on target - subsequently demonstrating the clinical ability he possesses.
How Watkins compares to Isak in the PL (2024/25)
Statistics (per 90)
Games played
Goals & assists
Shot on target accuracy
Aerials won
Goals per shot on target
Fouls won
Carries into oppostion box
Stats via FBref
The 29-year-old has also won more aerial battles and drawn more fouls per 90, having the ability to operate as a focal point - something which Amorim’s side have greatly lacked in recent months.
His ability to carry the ball into forward areas is also reflected by matching Isak for carries into the opposition box per 90, with Watkins evidently a more well-rounded option for the Red Devils.
Whilst it’s unclear how much a deal for the Villa talisman would cost this summer, it’s clear that he would be a cheaper alternative to Isak, but still offering the club the needed quality they crave.
If he can transfer his skillset to Old Trafford with him this summer, it would be a superb signing that would massively improve the side and make them a force to be reckoned with once again in the near future.
Viktor-Gyokeres-Harry-Kane Related
Gyokeres alternative: Man Utd submit bid to sign their own Kane after talks
Man United are still planning to sign a centre-forward this summer.