Manchester United’s attack was the biggest problem throughout the 2024-25 campaign, making an overhaul this summer necessary.
Ruben Amorim has been far from perfect this season, but he is working with one of the five worst forward lines in the Premier League.
Alejandro Garnacho and Rasmus Hojlund are both remarkably unreliable in front of the goal. In addition, the loan exits of Antony and Marcus Rashford were not replaced within the Manchester United squad.
This left United heavily reliant on Amad and Bruno Fernandes, which is unsustainable. Due to this, United are expected to have an entirely new attacking group.
Garnacho has been told to leave by Amorim already, while in addition, Hojlund has accepted he will need to leave this summer.
So, some serious additions will be required this summer, with one interesting option now wanted by the cross-city rivals.
Photo by Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images
Photo by Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images
Manchester City open Rayan Cherki
One player long linked with United is Lyon’s Rayan Cherki.
Cherki has been wanted by United since he was 15, and this summer, he is on a list of Ineos’ targets to bolster the squad. However, after an excellent season in which he scored 12 and assisted 20, there is plenty of interest.
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Now, Fabrizio Romano has reported that among the interested parties is Manchester City.
The transfer expert claims that City have now made contact with Lyon to begin initial talks over signing the Frenchman as a new attacking midfielder. In addition, Cherki is considered to be ‘top of the list’ for Pep Guardiola’s side.
🚨🔵 Manchester City made contact to start initial talks for Rayan Cherki as target for #10 position.
He’s top of the list with Morgan Gibbs-White after Wirtz deal off, while Cherki’s also aware of Man City interest. pic.twitter.com/YvQPEXoumr
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) May 29, 2025
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However, the quality possessed by Cherki, who is available for just £20m, is a deal United cannot pass up on.
Manchester United must make a move for Cherki
United are set to sign Matheus Cunha imminently; however, with the lack of attacking quality at Old Trafford, another couple of signings are expected.
Bryan Mbeumo is one option; however, at just £20m, Cherki is a player United could add on top of the other two.
When the 21-year-old came to Old Trafford with Lyon, Rio Ferdinand raved about Cherki’s talent, and there is one striking comparison made with Cherki.
Cherki has been likened to Eric Cantona, with the French forward considered too good to miss out on this summer, despite his somewhat risky traits.
Like Cunha, Cherki is a personality and is capable of the spectacular and also the ridiculous. This makes the signing a risk.
However, for so cheap, Cherki is a risk worth taking… although with City already in talks, a deal would have to be moved on now.