Scoring just 44 Premier League goals last season – the fifth-lowest in the entire division – Manchester United are in desperate need of goals.
With the opening of the summer transfer window, forwards have been a priority for Ruben Amorim, who wants to revolutionise Man United’s arsenal.
United have agreed a deal for Matheus Cunha already, with the Red Devils looking likely to sign Bryan Mbuemo as well.
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But the addition of a centre forward is a vital component that Amorim wants to fill.
United’s top target was Liam Delap, who has just signed for Chelsea, so instead they’ll have to look elsewhere in Europe.
It’s not all doom and gloom, though, as the 20-time Premier League champions may have received a big boost in the acquisition of a different striker.
Viktor Gyökeres ‘very keen’ on Man United move
When you’re struggling for goals, signing a player who’s scored 54 goals in 52 games seems like a no-brainer.
Sporting Lisbon’s Viktor Gyökeres is exactly that.
A former disciple of Amorim’s at Sporting, Gyökeres has been on fire this season, scoring left, right and centre.
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But it’s not just domestically where the Swede has thrived, scoring six goals in just eight Champions League appearances.
Gyökeres had interest from Arsenal and Chelsea previously, but with the Gunners looking at Benjamin Sesko and Chelsea signing Delap, it looks more likely that the Red Devils will move for the Sporting striker.
After United lost the Europa League final and missed out on Champions League football, the chances of signing Gyökeres seemed low.
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But transfer guru Ben Jacobs has countered that.
When speaking to The United Stand, Jacobs said: “Contrary to some suggestions that say he (Gyökeres) will only join the team with Champions League football, I don’t think that’s true.
“My understanding is that Gyökeres would be very keen on a move to Manchester United if they were able to pull that off financially speaking.”
Can Man United afford to bring in Gyökeres?
It’s one thing having an interest – it’s another thing having the spare tens of millions to bring the striker to Old Trafford.
Those upstairs in suits at United would likely love to bring in Gyökeres – but having spent £62.5m on Cunha and another £55m at least needed for Mbuemo, the Red Devils would’ve splashed a large chunk of their transfer budget already.
The trusty Fabrizio Romano reported a few weeks ago that Gyökeres would cost around 65m euros, which equates to just shy of £55m.
🚨🇸🇪 Despite public statements, Viktor Gyökeres will surely leave Sporting this summer with a fee already agreed.
Package worth around €65m can be enough to get green light from Sporting as agreed with Gyökeres months ago.
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— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) May 18, 2025
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So with Cunha secured and Mbuemo likely, United may need to wait for other sales before they can spend again.
In the same interview with The United Stand, Jacobs said: “All of that type of business (Gyökeres) will be very heavily dependent on bringing in a large amount of money via outgoings.”
Who can Man United sell to raise funds for Gyökeres?
With it clear that United need to sell to buy, there are some players the club will look to ship out in the hope of bringing in their striker target.
Marcus Rashford – Amorim has made it clear that the 28-year-old isn’t in his plans, and after his successful loan to Aston Villa, United will hope to generate around £40m for him.
The crucial factor with Rashford is that he’s an academy player, so any money from the sale will be classed as profit, which is essential for PSR and amortisation.
Jadon Sancho – After his contract negotiations broke down with Chelsea, United will hope to find a buyer for the £73m man. They’ll want to raise at least £20m, but with Sancho’s heavy wage demands, they might struggle.
Alejandro Garnacho – The comments on his playing time in the Europa League final have almost definitely meant that he won’t play for the Red Devils again.
Napoli are reportedly interested in Garnacho, and United will hope to secure anything from £40-60m for the 20-year-old. Like Rashford, as he’s from the academy, his sale would be pure profit.
Rasmus Hojlund – It looks increasingly likely that Hojlund won’t stay in Manchester for another season. There have been reports of interest in Italy for the former Atalanta striker. United will hope to recuperate at least £25m of the £72m they paid for him just two years ago.
If these sales do go through, then United could afford Gyökeres – but they may have to wait till later in the window to get these players out the door first.
The only question that remains is – will he wait for United?