Ruben Amorim needs a new striker and the Manchester United head coach could opt for a free transfer with Dominic Calvert-Lewin linked with the club
Dominic Calvert-Lewin following Everton's draw with Manchester City in December
Dominic Calvert-Lewin following Everton's draw with Manchester City in December
(Image: (MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images))
Ruben Amorim needs a new striker after Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee failed to convince last season, and a shock link to free agent Dominic Calvert-Lewin has emerged as an option - but fans in the Manchester Evening News comments section are not excited about the reports.
Striker Calvert-Lewin has left Everton at the end of his contract, and is a free agent this summer, bringing a nine-year stay with the club to an end.
The 28-year-old has struggled with injury problems for the last few years, but showed his best during Carlo Ancelotti's time managing the Toffees between 2019 and 2021, scoring 36 times in 69 appearances and earning a place in Gareth Southgate's England squad. During that time, he was linked to a move away to top clubs for a big transfer fee, but he remained with Everton.
The move would cost nothing in terms of a transfer fee for United - an attractive option while the negotiations for Bryan Mbeumo are ongoing, and while the departure of players like Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Alejandro Garnacho are still up in the air.
His limited impact over the past couple of seasons for Everton means that it would be a risky gamble if another goalscorer can't also be signed.
Fans are almost universally down on a potential deal, even it was structured entirely in United's favour. Reader Redajax says: "What is the point in signing him? Even if there is a deal for pay-to-play, the fact that he is injured most of the time would still be very disruptive to the team. It is very doubtful that there would be no basic pay so United should absolutely avoid doing any deal for Calvert-Lewin. Even Everton are fed up with his unavailability."
Commenter Stijohnny writes: "So we'd be removing a striker who doesn't score goals and replacing him with a striker who doesn't score goals, but has a worse injury record. I don't think so!"
Gigzzzy says: "If INEOS buy him then that'll show they're complete lack of footballing knowledge. He's as injury prone as Luke Shaw. Is he the quality striker that Utd desperately need? No.
"Berrada said Utd would be winning the league in 3 years... what, with players like Calvert-Lewin? We need better players and Utd are struggling to sell the deadwood as happens every summer transfer window."
Eugene Cox writes: "He has scored even less goals than Hojlund last season, and Utd want him?"
Tonyunited adds: "Are we this desperate, how many games has he played for Everton in the past few years? Bargain basement signings, it's not looking good."
Jasper JH says: "I'm afraid that if we don't sell our deadwood, this is going to be the bargain basement we are going to be in."
Wiserds writes: "I don't envisage any universe where someone at United sees Calvert-Lewin as a serious option. His injury record is woeful and possibly makes Luke Shaw's injury record an impeccable history of availability. Unless he was signed on a 'paid as you play' basis, or he's actually paying United to be at the club, then this this is a non-starter."
Hipster73 says: "Where's the top quality 20+ goal a season striker we need? DCL will be lucky if he manages to play 20 mins without getting injured... we're in trouble."
Have your say! Could Dominic Calvert-Lewin be a good signing for United - as the main man, or as a backup? Comment below, and join in on the conversation.