Summary
Manchester United have a new list of striker targets after losing the Europa League final.
The financial hit of not qualifying for Europe may impact Ruben Amorim in his search for a number nine.
Seven players have been split into two categories by the club.
Manchester United have compiled a new 'B' list of potential striker targets as a result of losing the Europa League final to Tottenham on Wednesday night. The defeat in Bilbao means that Ruben Amorim's side will be without European football next term, with a win having provided their opponents with a gateway to the Champions League.
It has also had major financial implications for the club, with millions being lost as a result of not qualifying for any continental competition. This has thrown a spanner in the works with regards to their recruitment this summer, and while a move for Matheus Cunha still looks set to go ahead, the Red Devils may have to settle for a perceived lesser option to lead the line.
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United Draw Up Seven-Person Striker Shortlist
The targets have been separated into two different categories
According to a report from The Sun, United's striker shortlist has been split into two categories – A and B – with the names of all the players included being revealed. Group A sees Viktor Gyokeres and Benjamin Sesko at the top. Arsenal are also known to be targeting both men, with reports claiming the Sporting Lisbon striker is currently top of their shortlist.
Gyokeres has emerged as one of the most in-demand forwards in Europe after scoring 53 goals this season. Sporting are said to be open to selling the Swedish star for around £60 million. United manager Amorim knows Gyokeres well from their time together in Portugal, but a move to Old Trafford appears unlikely without Champions League football on offer.
Sesko is also on United’s radar, but his £64 million release clause may prove too expensive due to the club's concerns over Profit and Sustainability Rules—unless Amorim can significantly trim the current squad to raise funds.
Liam Delap is the third option in the A-tier list, with the young Englishman the far cheaper option due to his relegation release clause with Ipswich Town. The striker has already held face-to-face talks with the club ahead of a possible switch.
However, the names on the B List should United fail to secure a deal for any of the aforementioned trio are Fiorentina's Moise Kean, Crystal Palace hero Jean-Philippe Mateta, Udinese's Lorenzo Lucca and Atalanta's Mateo Retegui.
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B List Player May be The Best Move For United
A cheaper alternative may provide less risk and more flexibility in the market
Though it may be a bitter pill for Manchester United fans to swallow, moving for one of the B list players may be the most sensible option for United. Entering the running for Gyokeres or Sesko may be a pointless task, since there are stronger teams likely ahead of them in the race, while Liam Delap is of a similar mould to Rasmus Hojlund in the sense that he is a young striker who could buckle under the weight of a red shirt.
The remaining four are all more experienced, and with the exception of Lucca, have all proved to be far more fruitful than the current options. Some might question the Kean move, given his struggles at Everton in the past, but he is a far more mature version of the player he once was. Meanwhile, Mateta has not only shown he is capable of scoring goals in the English top flight, but has also showcased his ability to help get the best out of other creative teammates – making him well suited to the likes of Bruno Fernandes and Amad Diallo.
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That, combined with the fact it would leave the club with more money to invest in the several other areas they desperately need to strengthen, may make the more pragmatic approach the right one heading into Amorim's first full season.
All statistics courtesy of Transfermarkt - accurate as of 22/05/2025.