Manchester United once again find themselves trapped in the limbo that so often haunts fallen giants. This season has raised more questions than it has answered. Goals have been scarce, the attacking system appears stagnant, and the pressure is already mounting on the board to act decisively in the upcoming transfer window.
Rúben Amorim, who replaced Erik ten Hag midway through the campaign, has inherited a squad riddled with structural flaws—none more pressing than the centre-forward position. The case of Rasmus Højlund epitomizes that struggle: undeniably talented and full of promise, yet unable to deliver the consistency needed to lead the line at this level. His underwhelming output has only intensified the scrutiny on the club’s recruitment strategy and added to the growing list of problems demanding urgent solutions at Old Trafford.
Is Marcus Thuram a necessary signing for Manchester United?
According to _[Football Insider](https://www.footballinsider247.com/man-united-pursuit-of-marcus-thuram-faces-collapse-from-the-inside/)_, Manchester United’s pursuit of Marcus Thuram has hit a significant roadblock. The French striker, currently enjoying one of the finest seasons of his career with Inter Milan, now appears to be a difficult target for the Red Devils. Not only is he a central figure in a team competing for both the Serie A title and the Champions League, but complications have also emerged behind the scenes. Thuram’s agent reportedly has a strained relationship with Omar Berrada, Manchester United’s new chief executive—an issue that could shut the door before talks even begin. As a result, one of the most coveted striker profiles on United’s shortlist may be slipping out of reach.
But even if a deal were possible, is Marcus Thuram truly the right fit for Rúben Amorim’s system? Stylistically, there are reasons to be cautious. Amorim prefers dynamic forwards—players who combine physical presence with intelligent movement between the lines, tactical discipline, and a willingness to press and contribute defensively. While Thuram has certainly evolved at Inter, particularly in terms of his link-up play, he still displays elements of a more traditional, static centre-forward. That profile may not align with the fluid, high-mobility attack Amorim wants to implement at Old Trafford.
Given these concerns, United may be better served by looking at alternative options with different strengths. Matheus Cunha, for instance, remains an inconsistent performer but offers technical flair and versatility. While not a conventional number nine, his ability to drop deep and connect play could make him a valuable transitional piece in building a more flexible attacking unit.
Liam Delap, meanwhile, is a far more speculative option, raw, but physically imposing and full of potential. With the right tactical framework and patience, he could be developed into a long-term asset. The challenge, of course, is insulating him from the weight of immediate expectations at a club where pressure is constant and time is a luxury rarely afforded.
Viewed from a different angle, the setback in the Marcus Thuram pursuit could represent an unexpected opportunity for Manchester United. Rather than being a loss, it might serve as a timely escape from a potentially hasty decision, one that, while tempting on paper, may not address the deeper structural issues within the squad. United’s problems in attack go beyond simply finding a goalscorer; what they truly need is a cohesive, intelligent attacking framework.
Rúben Amorim’s system demands more than just individual brilliance and it requires players who can interpret space, adapt tactically, and contribute to a collective vision. Chasing big names with flashy statistics can often distract from the need to build a team with purpose and identity.
Sometimes, missing out on a high-profile target clears the path for smarter, more deliberate planning. And perhaps that’s exactly what Manchester United need at this crossroads, not to chase reputation, but to construct something meaningful from the ground up. The next striker should not be a stopgap solution. He must be the first building block of a side ready to dream big again, with clarity, conviction, and a long-term plan.