The 2024/25 season forced Manchester United to confront some uncomfortable truths. There were too many mistakes, too few goals, and far too much uncertainty. Erik ten Hag, exposed in multiple areas, was dismissed mid-season, leaving Rúben Amorim to take charge of a squad that consistently failed to perform, both at home and away.
The absence of a reliable striker became a recurring issue. Rasmus Højlund’s injuries and inconsistency left the attack toothless, and the frustration among fans grew louder. The board now faces a pivotal summer where vague promises and long-term projects won’t be enough. With a return to the Champions League still out of reach, Manchester United need decisive action, not empty headlines.
In this context, the Daily Mail reports that Manchester United have been offered Portuguese striker Gonçalo Ramos, currently at Paris Saint-Germain. At 23, Ramos has yet to establish himself as a first-choice striker in Paris, despite arriving with high expectations. Last season, he registered 18 goals and six assists in 41 appearances, many of which came from the bench or in lower-stakes matches. PSG are reportedly open to negotiating a deal and view Old Trafford as a suitable destination to begin a new chapter. The offer also comes in the wake of United missing out on Liam Delap, who opted to sign with Chelsea.
Will Goncalo Ramos suit Manchester United?
From a tactical standpoint, Gonçalo Ramos’ potential arrival at Manchester United warrants close analysis. In Rúben Amorim’s preferred 3-4-2-1 system, introduced as part of the club’s broader structural overhaul, the role of the number 9 goes far beyond simply finishing chances. The striker must contribute to high pressing, exhibit fluid movement between the lines, and possess the intelligence to read plays quickly.
Ramos, while undoubtedly a capable goalscorer, truly excels in his off-the-ball movement. His ability to drift between centre-backs and drag defenders out of position creates space for attacking midfielders to exploit, an asset that could prove vital in Amorim’s dynamic, fluid approach.
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At PSG, Gonçalo Ramos was restricted more by the system than by a lack of quality. At Manchester United, without a dominant wide player like Dembélé, he would likely enjoy more touches, greater influence, and added responsibility. However, that freedom comes with pressure. The Premier League offers little margin for error, and Old Trafford, even less.
Still, Ramos could prove to be a more cost-effective option than Viktor Gyökeres. His profile appears better suited to a fluid attacking setup, especially with creative midfielders like Kobbie Mainoo and Bruno Fernandes operating behind him. While his signing wouldn’t guarantee instant success, it represents a logical and potentially shrewd investment. United may not need a headline-making superstar this summer, perhaps they simply need a striker who understands when to step up without demanding the spotlight. If given the freedom to play his game, Ramos could quietly become that player.