Manchester United have been linked with a move for Dominic Calvert-Lewin
Manchester United are facing a summer that could mark a turning point for their sporting project. The goal drought became a burden during the 2024/25 campaign, with Rasmus Hojlund without real weight in decisive matches and Joshua Zirkzee far from being the expected solution. The lack of goalscoring ability has made it clear that the club need a reliable number nine if they want to not lose ground to more established opponents.
At Old Trafford, they know that sustaining an ambitious project without a reliable striker is almost impossible. Ruben Amorim is watching the market with caution, aware that any signing must be balanced with departures that leave cash. Patience is beginning to wear thin in the stands, and nobody wants another season marked by a lack of goals.
As Ben Jacobs revealed to The Man United Stand, the Red Devils are already clear that they cannot rely on Hojlund next season. The Dane is closer to leaving than staying, but that alone will not solve the attacking hole. After possibly closing the deal for Bryan Mbeumo, the club are exploring other options, although their financial room for manoeuvre is limited.
How can Manchester United balance their financial constraints while addressing the urgent need for a new striker to boost their attack?
Among the names on the table is Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who is free after leaving Everton, but his high wage bill complicates a deal. Jacobs warned that the England striker’s wage demands are difficult to meet unless he reduces his demands or an urgent need arises in the squad. As of today, nothing is certain, and uncertainty remains.
“Calvert-Lewin’s wage demands are very high, and therefore it is unlikely that Man United will move in that direction unless the demands decrease or they have a hole in the squad later in the window. As a free agent, the player will be rigid on his demands.”
Opinion:
In our view, thinking of the 28-year-old as the first solution would be a mistake on United’s part. The player is talented and knows the Premier League, but his recent injuries and lack of consistency do not justify such a high salary. With the club struggling to balance the books, tying themselves to such a hefty contract could jeopardise future moves. If the club manage to sell players that do not contribute and free up the wage bill, then there is a way to look for a profile more consistent with Ruben Amorim’s plan. To go all in on a striker who is likely to spend more time in the infirmary than on the pitch would be to repeat old mistakes.
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That’s why we think exploring younger alternatives, with a hunger for goals and room for growth, may be a better fit. With regards to Hojlund, getting rid of him isn’t outrageous if he doesn’t fit the manager’s idea, but it’s key to reinvest that money well. They can’t afford another failed signing up front. Amorim needs players who interpret his vertical and aggressive play well. A number nine unable to go against the centre-backs, give depth and generate space leaves the team orphaned up front.
Hojlund, by potential, could perhaps work in another environment, but not as the only reference in a United team that needs immediate dynamite. However, looking for a 28-year-old Englishman as his replacement is not the right way forward.