Manchester United are keeping tabs on Chelsea striker Christopher Nkunku
Manchester United always walks under the spotlight every summer. The fans demand reinforcements, and the board cannot afford any more missteps. This time, the rumours revolve around Christopher Nkunku. It is not the first time his name has been linked with Old Trafford. With each market, new reports emerge that mix excitement and doubts. The club wants to regain its status. The signing of Højlund was a clear bet to lead the forward line, but he has not been able to show his impact. Goals were scarce at key moments, and patience is running out. That’s why Nkunku is back on the scene.
According to Football Insider, the clue came from Mick Brown, the Red Devils’ former chief scout and a still-respected figure in Manchester. Brown explained that United are keeping a close eye on Nkunku, who is set to leave Chelsea this summer following Enzo Maresca’s decision. The French striker does not fit into the new manager’s plans. Brown recalled the night Nkunku scored a hat-trick against City, but his side were beaten. He insists United have been watching him for some time. However, he warns that the Frenchman’s profile is not exactly that of a “pure nine”. If Mbeumo’s deal goes through, the Frenchman probably won’t arrive. The club is mulling over every step.
“Man United are still looking at Christopher Nkunku. I must admit, I’ve only ever seen him play once, when he scored a hat-trick against Man City and his team lost the game 6-3, but he was outstanding that night. United, though, have been watching him a lot more often than I have. He’s going to be available from Chelsea because he doesn’t have a part to play. They still want to sign another forward, but they’re looking to sign an out-and-out centre-forward. I don’t think he’s one of those; he’s more similar to the likes of Cunha and Mbeumo, so if both of those come in, I don’t see where he would fit. If the Mbeumo deal falls through, for whatever reason, maybe they will make a move. He’s somebody they’re keen on, but they won’t go for both him and Mbeumo.”
Will he be a good fit for Ruben Amorim’s United?
Here comes the interesting part: is it really worth signing Nkunku? In his favour, is his versatility. The 27-year-old can play as an attacking midfielder, as a winger or as a second striker. He possesses good dribbling skills, change of pace and vision. Nobody forgets the Frenchman’s time at Leipzig, where he exploded as an unpredictable attacker. That could give oxygen to an attack that becomes flat when Højlund does not find space.
Man United are still interested in a deal to sign Chelsea forward Christopher Nkunku this summer, according to their former chief scout.
However, not everything shines. Nkunku has been inconsistent for months due to injuries and technical decisions. At Chelsea, he has not been able to establish himself. Why? Maybe Nkunku needs support and backing. United, under Amorim, are still looking for a quality striker. Will Nkunku fit into that labyrinth? It’s a risk.
The sticking point is Højlund’s position. To sign Nkunku would be to admit a lack of full confidence in the Dane as an offensive reference. But, well managed, Nkunku could complement, not compete directly. The risk is that adding a player with a high salary without a permanent place. The dressing room needs certainty. Signing for the sake of signing does not guarantee anything. Even so, the quality of the Frenchman is undeniable. If Maresca lets him go, United could fish for a reasonable price. However, knowing the recent history of Old Trafford, it is advisable to act with a cool head. Talent only works if it is surrounded by structure and clear roles. Nkunku alone will not save an entire front line. Meanwhile, the Red Devils have to decide on the future of Hojlund.