Manchester United are expected to do business this summer as Michael Carrick prepares to guide the Reds domestically and in Europe, with one World Cup star catching the club's eye in particular
Brian Brobbey celebrates with team-mates
Brian Brobbey impressed against Sweden(Image: Getty Images)
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Manchester United are said to be monitoring Brian Brobbey's situation with Sunderland AFC, following a stellar season on Wearside and a formidable World Cup thus far. The 24-year-old centre-forward was a revelation for the Black Cats in 2025/26, netting seven times in 31 appearances.
With more to his game than just his thirst for goals, Brobbey caused some of the league's most well-versed defenders a headache with his physical prowess and stellar hold-up play. After doing enough domestically to receive a World Cup call-up with the Netherlands from Ronald Koeman, the traditional No. 9 has also impressed in football's most prestigious international competition.
After making a brief appearance off the bench during his nation's tournament opener against Japan - in which they were held to a 2-2 draw - Brobbey was given the nod to lead the line from the outset against Sweden last week. And it didn't take the Sunderland man long at all to make a mark.
Cody Gakpo found the striker bursting through the middle of Sweden's box from the left flank just five minutes in, leaving Brobbey to tap the ball home to give his nation a 1-0 lead. Just 12 minutes later, meanwhile, his name was up in lights once more.
Denzel Dumfries played a teasing ball in from the right-hand side, with Brobbey lunging to make contact as he beat Kristoffer Nordfeldt to the punch and found the back of the net for his brace. The Netherlands ultimately ran out 5-1 winners over Sweden on the evening in a masterclass in teamwork.
While Sunderland fans will be elated to see their talisman succeeding on the World Stage, they may also be a touch concerned of the attention he is drawing in from a wealth of top European clubs. Manchester United are one club who are said to be interested in his services for the upcoming campaign, as they look for support for Benjamin Sesko.
However, they are not alone in their pursuit of Brobbey, with Tottenham Hotspur, Chelsea and Aston Villa all thought to be monitoring his situation. Securing a deal for the marksman may not be a straightforward deal however.
Brian Brobbey shirks a challenge
Brian Brobbey has caught the attention of numerous Premier League clubs(Image: Sunderland AFC via Getty Images)
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Having only signed Brobbey from Ajax in a £21.6million move last summer, Sunderland are in no rush to sell - given he is under contract at the Stadium of Light until 2029. TEAMtalk has also been informed by sources that the Black Cats see Brobbey as a key part of their long-term plan, and have no interest in sanctioning a sale.
Sources also indicate that executives at the club are considering offering him a long-term contract to reflect his importance. Brobbey also appears incredibly settled on Wearside at present, and with Europa League football to look forward to in 2026/27, will be eager to prove himself in Europe.
That won't prevent clubs and fans worldwide from admiring the star when the Netherlands face Tunisia on Friday, June 26 for their final group-stage encounter of the World Cup.
Brobbey isn't the only talented striker who has been linked with a move to Manchester United, however. The club are said to have drawn up a shortlist of around five stars who could provide support for Sesko next season, including Club Brugge's Nicolo Tresoldi, Galatasaray's Victor Osimhen and Como's Martin Baturina.