Manchester United’s striker hunt this summer has included countless number nines from across Europe and the Middle East, all in an effort to upgrade on Rasmus Hojlund.
Ineos had a clear ambition this summer to sign a new striker, with Liam Delap pursued in May right up until he chose to join Chelsea for the Club World Cup and Champions League football.
Delap was Manchester United’s first choice, mainly due to his cheap fee; however, Ruben Amorim had a preference for Viktor Gyokeres to be the striker signed. Gyokeres prefers a move to Arsenal at the moment, though, and after drama at Sporting CP, Ineos have taken a step back.
Since then, there have been several suggestions thrown around, with United rejecting the chance to sign John Duran on loan, with his Saudi Arabian-level wage demands not possible for the club.
Hugo Ekitike is an option United who like, however, with an £85m price tag chances of affording him this summer remain slim. There have been consistent links between United and Moises Kean, but this deal would likely leave fans underwhelmed.
Considering the struggle to identify a solid option, it is somewhat surprising that United didn’t make the obvious move for a free agent.
Jonathan David points to the sky in celebration after scoring for Lille.
Photo by Catherine Steenkeste/Getty Images
Jonathan David shocked by lack of Premier League interest this summer
Manchester United need to sign a striker this summer, but with no European football and a limited budget, it is proving difficult to convince top targets.
This makes it surprising that United gave Juventus a free run at Jonathan David this summer, with his contract having expired at Lille.
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To explain the situation, United in Focus has spoken to transfer expert Graeme Bailey, who has explained a state of shock around David’s camp that Premier League sides weren’t clamouring for him.
“I get a lot of fans asking me about Jonathan David, and a lot of them are Manchester United fans.
“I have chased this with his people, and I can confirm they have been shocked by the lack of significant talks with most Premier League clubs, including United.
“Yes, David, who is joining Juventus now, was asking for a substantial wage packet, but he was on a free transfer.
“Personally, I believe the David situation reminds me of Marcus Thuram – similar situation where he was available on a free transfer, but the Premier League clubs were unmoved, but then he went to Italy and was a huge success and we see teams even now being linked with him for £50/60million.
“I think the same will be true of David – I don’t doubt he will score goals in Serie A.”
It was claimed prior to the Juventus deal being completed that David’s agents wanted £13m, which likely put United off the deal completely.
Manchester United could regret not moving for Jonathan David
Despite the clearly insane financial package which David wanted, it still would have worked out remarkably cheaper than signing almost any of the striker targets Ineos currently have.
David racked up 25 goals last season with some sublime performances, more than justifying links to Old Trafford, and he would have been a really interesting addition.
The Canadian thrives in link-up and having talented footballers around him, which he would have had in abundance with Matheus Cunha and, hopefully, Bryan Mbeumo.
United already have a David-like player in Gabriele Biancheri, so perhaps there is hope that he can step up next season.
If David shines at Juventus, there will certainly be revisionism, and he will be worth a lot next summer. However, all will be forgotten if United signs a quality number nine.