Manchester United’s work within the transfer window has left a lot to be desired over recent years, with huge money spent on players not up to the level of the Premier League.
Former Red Devils boss Erik ten Hag spent upwards of £600m during his time in charge of the club, but his additions clearly haven’t worked given the club’s 15th place league standing last season.
Ruben Amorim has had to work with such signings, only having the January window to make the additions he desires to help transform the current situation at Old Trafford.
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He’s already added Matheus Cunha to his ranks, splashing £62.5m on the Brazilian’s signature, but further talents are expected to arrive at the club in the coming weeks.
Numerous areas of the pitch are set to be improved for their quest in the 2025/26 campaign, with multiple names mentioned over transfers to the Theatre of Dreams.
The latest on United’s hunt for new additions this summer
Striker Viktor Gyokeres has been a player firmly on the club’s radar and understandably so given his stint under Amorim during their time together in Portugal at Sporting CP.
The Swede scored 54 times in his 52 appearances, making him one of the most in-demand players this window, but it appears as though he’s set for a move to join rivals Arsenal.
Gyokeres 2024-25 season in numbers (timeless) (1)
However, another player has emerged on their radar in recent days, with Botafogo goalkeeper John Victor now a key target, according to GOAL Brazil.
Their report claims that Victor already has an offer on the table from the Red Devils, who are prepared to trigger the 29-year-old’s release clause this summer, which currently stands at just $8m (£5.8m).
It also states that the player himself would be keen on a move to Old Trafford this window, with the hierarchy seeing the shot-stopper as a possible number one ahead of 2025/26.
Why United’s latest target would be a better signing than Gyokeres
Given Gyokeres’ goalscoring record for the Portuguese outfit, there’s no denying that the Swede would be an excellent option in the final third for Amorim’s side.
Sporting CP's Viktor Gyokeres in action with Gil Vicente's Facundo Caseres
However, given the £70m price tag that has been mooted, along with his lack of experience in England’s top-flight, it could prove to be a huge risk for the club in 2025/26.
Other current options in the Premier League appear to be available this summer, with work already being done to land the signature of Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins during the off-season.
There’s no denying that a new talisman is needed during this window, but Gyokeres shouldn’t be the one they turn to, allowing another side to take the chance with a move for his services.
The same can’t be said for potential addition Victor, with his buy-out clause potentially being a bargain for the club if they can complete a deal for his signature.
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The Brazilian could prove to be a bargain, filling the void that’s been vacated by current number one Andre Onana after he suffered a hamstring injury that could rule him out of the start of the new campaign.
However, even upon the Cameroonian’s return to first-team action, he may struggle to regain his place in the side should Victor make the move to the Theatre of Dreams.
The Botafogo star, who’s been labelled “incredible” by one analyst, massively outperformed Onana last campaign, highlighting the talent he possesses in between the sticks.
He’s conceded fewer goals per 90, whilst claiming more crosses, offering a needed presence and a player who can command his 18-yard box, which could bolster the defensive unit.
How Victor & Onana compared throughout 2024/25
Statistics (per 90)
Games played
Clean sheet percentage
Save percentage
Goals conceded
Pass accuracy
Crosses claimed
Saves made
Stats via FBref
Onana has been prone to mistakes during his time at the club, something which the potential new addition could prevent, as he made more saves during his spell in Serie A last campaign.
Amorim will desperately want a new striker to lead his attacking department into 2025/26, but ultimately it may have to wait given the recent news around the goalkeeping department.
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Such an area is arguably one of the most important on the pitch, with the club simply not being able to enter the new season without adequate options at the manager’s disposal - subsequently making Victor a crucial addition during the off-season.
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