This isn't the summer for sagas. Manchester United need to get things done quickly this time around, with far too many transfer windows having descended into chaos and deadline day desperation.
Thankfully, for Ruben Amorim's sake, it would appear that the club are keen to get their business done early, with Premier League duo Liam Delap and Matheus Cunha having been identified as leading early targets.
In the case of Cunha, the Brazilian appears to be edging ever closer to agreeing on a move to Old Trafford, with the 25-year-old having enjoyed a fine campaign after netting 15 times in the league alone.
Formerly of RB Leipzig and Atletico Madrid, among others, the £62.5m star has adapted nicely to English football in recent seasons, with 42 goals and assists to his name in just 80 Premier League appearances for Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Signing a ready-made, proven talent like Cunha could help to buck United's recent trend of looking abroad - and in the Eredivisie especially - for new signings, with Amorim in desperate need of players who can make an immediate impact from the get-go.
Wolves-Matheus-Cunha
Cunha would then be ideal in that regard, although that's not to say every summer move has to be with a Premier League focus...
Man Utd's search for a forward
Aside from incomings, there will also be a keen eye on potential outgoings from Old Trafford, with a worst-case scenario likely to be the departure of influential skipper, Bruno Fernandes, amid interest from Saudi Arabia.
Bruno-Fernandes-Man-Utd-1
According to Football Transfers, if the Portuguese hero does opt to seal a shock move away from the club to join Al-Hilal, among other suitors, the Red Devils have lined up a potential replacement in the form of Athletic Club star, Oihan Sancet.
As per the report, while negotiations haven't started regarding a move for the 25-year-old, it is claimed that internal talks have been held in Manchester, with Amorim a 'huge admirer'.
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The in-form Spaniard - who missed both legs of the recent Europa League semi-final meeting due to injury - does still have seven years left to run on his existing deal in Bilbao, ensuring it would not be easy to prise him away from the LaLiga outfit.
Indeed, the report adds that Sancet would cost in the region of €80m (£67m), amid the presence of a release clause in his contract, with it yet to be seen whether INEOS will firm up that interest, should Fernandes depart.
Even if the United captain does stay put, there is an argument that Sancet could represent a worthy alternative to Cunha if required, with the Athletic man just as big of a talent.
How Oihan Sancet compares to Cunha
As noted previously, it has been a fine season for Cunha to date, with the wantaway star netting 15 goals in the top-flight for the Old Gold, alongside a further two goals in the FA Cup.
Sancet, meanwhile, has also matched that tally of 17 goals in all competitions, having scored twice in the Europa League, while also netting 15 goals in Spain's top-flight from his advanced midfield role.
As noted by analyst Ben Mattinson, he is a "box-crashing" talent in that almost second-striker role, showcasing "striker-like instincts" that could make him perfect for one of Amorim's two number ten berths.
oihan-sancet-athletic-club
Something of a Scott McTominay in that regard, perhaps, Sancet has also been described by Mattinson as "one of the most underrated players in Europe" right now, further evidence of just what a talent he is.
As indicated in the table below too, while Cunha provides a greater creative spark, it is Sancet who is the bigger goal threat. Indeed, his 15 goals have come despite making only 18 LaLiga starts this season.
Cunha vs Sancet - 24/25 League stats
Stat (*per game)
Games (starts)
Goals
Goal frequency
Big chances missed
Big chances created
Assists
Key passes*
Pass accuracy*
Total duels won*
Aerial duels won*
Possession lost*
Stats via Sofascore
It could be argued that for a side who have now failed to score in 14 Premier League games in 2024/25, United are desperately in need of that type of clinical presence in front of goal, with Sancet's goal return of one every 100 minutes certainly a reason for encouragement.
What also stands out is that the 6 foot 2 ace is also far less erratic on the ball, as indicated by his pass accuracy rate and possession lost count, with potentially a calm head needed to counterbalance the maverick talents of the likes of Alejandro Garnacho and Amad Diallo.
oihan-sancet-athletic-bilbao
Of course, it would appear that Sancet will only be considered if Fernandes departs, although there is an argument to be made that he might actually be a dream alternative to Cunha, should that deal hit the skids.
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Man Utd need to revive Ruben Amorim's struggling squad this summer...