Manchester United closed out a 2024/25 season best forgotten. A dismal 15th-place finish in the Premier League, no trophies, and no European football painted a stark picture of decline. Under Rúben Amorim, who took charge midway through the campaign, the team adopted a structured 3-4-2-1 system, but lacked the attacking firepower to make it effective. The signing of Matheus Cunha was a step toward remedying the problem, but far from sufficient. Talks for Bryan Mbeumo remain stalled after Brentford rejected United’s initial offer, leaving the squad short of proven quality in the final third.
Amid this uncertainty, another name has entered the conversation. According to Compare.bet via The Metro, frmer United centre-back Gary Pallister has urged the club to pursue Brighton winger Kaoru Mitoma. Pallister stressed the need for attackers who can change games, especially with Marcus Rashford potentially heading for the exit and Amad Diallo’s progress interrupted by injury.
Mitoma, he argued, has already proven himself at Premier League level and could offer a much-needed spark. If the Japanese international becomes available, Pallister believes United would be wise not to hesitate, his arrival could help fill critical gaps that continue to hinder the squad’s evolution.
Will Kaoru Mitoma be a good signing for Manchester United?
“I don’t think you can ever have enough attacking options and we have seen what Kaoru Mitoma can do in the Premier League. Marcus Rashford might be leaving the club and Amad Diallo was the only forward hitting his top level before he got injured, the club needs back up in those areas. If Mitoma is available then I’d like to see him at Old Trafford, he can make an impact.”
Given Manchester United’s current form, the prospect of signing Kaoru Mitoma doesn’t seem far-fetched. Rúben Amorim’s system demands wingers who can exploit space, break lines, and stretch defences on the flanks, qualities that align perfectly with Mitoma’s profile. The Japanese international combines blistering pace with sharp attacking instincts and a strong understanding of team dynamics.
He wrapped up last season with 11 goals and four assists, showcasing his efficiency in front of goal. Crucially, Mitoma doesn’t rely on high ball possession to make an impact, an ideal trait for a tactical setup that prioritizes positional play over prolonged control. He could slot seamlessly into the left-sided role behind the striker in Amorim’s two-man attacking midfield line, offering fluid movement while starting from wide areas.
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However, signing Kaoru Mitoma won’t be straightforward. The Japanese winger is under contract with Brighton until 2027, which complicates his exit from a financial standpoint. Physically, he is not the most robust player and has at times struggled to maintain high intensity across 90 minutes. For Amorim, that means potentially adjusting his system, either by shielding Mitoma with defensively solid full-backs or altering off-the-ball structures to minimise exposure. There’s also the question of tactical fit: in a formation built around three centre-backs and two wing-backs, incorporating a traditional winger like Mitoma could disturb the system’s equilibrium. That said, his tactical acumen and adaptability provide enough reason to consider the gamble.
From a practical standpoint, a transfer is feasible if Brighton are open to negotiations. While his price could surge, the player’s ambition and United’s renewed intent might influence the outcome. Mitoma offers something United desperately lack, unpredictability in wide areas, directness, and flair that can break the mechanical rhythm of their current attacking play.
He won’t come cheap, but if footballing merit is the priority, he’s a compelling option. Alternatively, Amorim might be wiser to invest in a more vertical, second-line attacker like Pedro Gonçalves, whose profile aligns with the coach’s tendency to build through central channels. Still, if United are truly in search of a spark on the flanks, Mitoma is far more than just a fleeting talent.