There is no doubt heading into the Europa League Final that Manchester United need a new striker next season.
Rasmus Hojlund has endured a nightmare second season, with his barely acceptable tally of 10 goals set against a series of inept performances.
In the Premier League, Hojlund has been a non-factor with four goals in 31 appearances, and with his all-round game lacking, the position is a high priority heading into the 2025 summer transfer window.
Ruben Amorim’s former Sporting striker Viktor Gyokeres has been linked ever since the United boss made the switch, and it looks inevitable he will leave the club this summer.
Gyokeres is being strongly linked with a move to Arsenal, but Manchester United are still in the mix, for now.
Photo by Gualter Fatia/Getty Images
Photo by Gualter Fatia/Getty Images
Manchester United are split over striker
Manchester United are already set to tie up a deal for Wolves forward Matheus Cunha, who will play in one of the number 10 roles behind a centre-forward.
Transfer insider Graeme Bailey tells UIF that internally at Manchester United, there are opposing views over the best path.
He explains: “There remains a split at Manchester United over their plans for their new striker. Liam Delap has emerged as their top target for their footballing department – with technical director Jason Wilcox convinced that the Ipswich Town striker is the best option for the club.
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“However, Amorim and his coaching staff believe that a ready made number nine would be the better route for them to take as a team.”
As part of the club’s ongoing striker search, Manchester United have held with Liam Delap after being granted permission by Ipswich Town, a report via The Athletic has claimed.
Viktor Gyokeres is one of the preferences put forward by Amorim, and with the Swede yet to confirm a decision on his future, there is still hope for the Red Devils to clinch a deal.
This would depend on qualification for the Champions League, which United could earn through victory in the Europa League Final.
Bailey explains: “Gyokeres is a player that Amorim and his staff now, and they have made it know their feelings about him being a good fit or someone of his ilk with more experience, such as a Victor Osimhen type player.
“Gyokeres is very much on the radar of Arsenal and it is believed he is enticed by the prospect of joining The Gunners.
“He has not made a final decision, which in theory gives United hope that they could lure him – if they made a move.
“We understand winning the Europa League and securing Champions League football could be crucial to securing a deal such as Gyokeres as he is well in excess of £50million – and with Cunha already arriving, that would represent in excess of £100million.
“Some of which will almost certainly be off-set by the sales of Alejandro Garnacho and Rasmus Hojlund.”
The situation is currently open, with Gyokeres awaiting the full picture in terms of his options if Manchester United becomes a viable option.
Winning the Europa League Final against Tottenham will be a boost for United financially, and in terms of being more attractive for top level players in the transfer market this summer.
Infographic on European League Finals
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Manchester United set to agree Matheus Cunha deal
Manchester United are making progress with a move for Matheus Cunha, having already established the outline of a deal with the player.
Bailey reports a full agreement with Cunha’s representatives is near, explaining: “A new number 10 is already in place with UIF understanding that full agreement with Wolves’ Matheus Cunha will be finalised before Sunday’s final match of the season at Aston Villa.”
United are yet to agree a deal with Wolves, although a deal is expected to cost the Red Devils just over £60 million.