Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim during the UEFA Europa League 2024/25 Quarter Final Second Leg match between Manchester United and Olympique Lyonnais at Old Trafford on April 17, 2025
Ruben Amorim during Manchester United's clash against Olympique Lyonnais
Manchester United could be forced to dabble in the free agent market this summer. The Reds enjoyed a brilliant start to the summer transfer window, forking out over £60m for Matheus Cunha, but .
United announced the signing of Diego Leon last week, though . Meanwhile, Bryan Mbeumo continues to be pursued, but United haven't quite closed the deal yet.
Once the Reds look to wrap up a deal for the Brentford star, . Until then, Amorim could be strapped for cash as he looks to further bolster his attacking options.
So, with that being said, journalists at the Manchester Evening News have looked at what free agents United should target sign to strengthen their frontline.
Jake Stokes
It's no secret that Ruben Amorim would've loved to bring in Viktor Gyokeres, . So, United should try and find somebody as close to the Swede's profile as possible.
Obviously, that's quite difficult in the free agent market because Gyokeres is one of the most in-form strikers in Europe. That said, United should go after Calvert-Lewin. I struggle to see who else could do a similar job, whether it's running the channels, holding up the ball or winning aerial duels.
Tom Doyle
Given the reckless spending in recent years, it is easy to forget United have been quite canny when it comes to signing free agents. Edinson Cavani, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Michael Owen all arrived for nothing, and the latter two helped add to the Old Trafford trophy cabinet.
While it would be bold to back any current free agents to spearhead a new era for the club, a sensible deal or two could work well. and could teach Rasmus Hojlund about using his body more effectively. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has lost that electric pace but still knows where the goal is after scoring 17 for Saudis Al-Qadsiah last season.
Personally, I'd go for Jamie Vardy. He hit nine League goals in a woeful Leicester side and has the bite and snarl this callow United squad desperately need more of. He could be a useful impact sub for those final 10-15 minutes when all you need a goal, and with United's thin fixture schedule he's not going to get run into the ground at 38 years of age. Oh, and he's also won a Premier League title - how many current United players can say that?
Jamie Vardy is available on a free transfer (Image: Alex Pantling/Getty Images)
Jack Flintham
It is hard to get too excited by any of the free agent strikers that are understood to be on the table for United this summer. What is clear is that if any of them sign, they need to be backed up with a centre-forward who can be the first choice.
Out of those mentioned, I would personally take a punt on Wilson.
His 2023/24 campaign of nine goals in 20 appearances is a promising sign and while he did struggle last season with injuries, a free deal for Wilson could be worth the gamble. A full pre-season shall be crucial for Wilson so signing him as a last port of call does not seem like a wise move.
But as mentioned at the beginning, if any of these strikers join they need to be signed in addition to a more reliable, and hopefully younger, option. Otherwise, the Reds will be in trouble this season.
The free agents linked with moves to United this summer won't exactly get supporters on the edge of their seat, but as mentioned above, United do have a decent track record in that department. Of the likes of Wilson, Aubameyang, Vardy and Calvert-Lewin, it's the latter I'd be choosing to sign.
Of course, in an ideal world, United should be pushing for a Gyokeres or Victor Osimhen type signing, but both of those goal scorers already have offers on the table and Amorim's side need to offload players before splashing the cash again.
Had Wilson been a few years younger, it would have been a no brainer to try and sign the former Newcastle striker who was one of the country's most potent finishers. But injuries have hampered his Tyneside tenure and he failed to score last season.
The same can be said for Calvert-Lewin in terms of injuries, but at 28, there's potentially more longevity in signing the former Everton striker. If United can sign a new number nine, alongside the signing of the ex-Toffees man, it could be a decent bit of business.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin is among the free agents to be linked with United (Image: Peter Byrne/PA Wire)
Isaac Seelochan
I would probably look towards Vardy of the available options. 10 goals across all competitions last season for a dreadful Leicester team is not bad going when you consider the lack of service he will have received.
Of course, they will need someone else to be their main forward, with Hojlund a potential departure. United would be in a relegation battle next season if they were solely relying on Vardy as their No.9.
But his experience would be useful, and his pace, even if slightly diminished with age, would give the Reds an added outlet on the counter-attack.
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