Manchester United rejected by Alexander Isak in favour of making Liverpool switch
Last season was a forgettable one for Manchester United and their fans. The club finished 15th in the 2024/25 Premier League season. Europa League hopes also ended with a final loss to Tottenham Hotspur. Being out of European competition means no continental football in the 2025/26 season. If we take a look at the chain of events, Ruben Amorim took charge mid-season in 2024/25, but could not get the situation under control. Now the new season has arrived, and hopes are rising again among all the United faithful.
The club have made some interesting signings this summer. Established Premier League names like Matheus Cunhaand Bryan Mbeumo have arrived at Old Trafford. Apart from them, young Diogo Leon has also become a part of the team, but one issue remains the same—the lack of a reliable centre-forward. Rasmus Højlund and Joshua Zirkzee failed to live up to expectations last season. Therefore, the responsibility of scoring goals remained scattered, and United’s attacking edge kept weakening.
Alexander Isak: Opportunity, Intention and Refusal
In light of this, Manchester United have contacted many strikers in this summer’s transfer window. It was expected that some big name would support this sinking ship. Meanwhile, Florian Plettenberg‘s report came out, which dashed some of the hopes which were nonexistent. According to the report, Alexander Isak has made it clear that he only wants to go to Liverpool. United had recently contacted him, but they got a negative answer. The personal agreement between Isak and Liverpool has already been finalised.
Manchester United rejected by Alexander Isak in favour of making Liverpool switch.
Manchester United made an enquiry in recent days, but Isak turned it down
Isak is a player who has proved himself time and again in the Premier League. While playing for Newcastle United, the Swede’s finishing touch, movement and presence inside the box have been a headache for every defence. The 25-year-old striker is fast, technically sound and can score goals even in difficult situations. Every big club want such a player, and at the moment he considers Liverpool a better option.
Manchester United’s mistake or hopeful persistence?
The truth is that signing Isak was never going to be easy for United. Newcastle United are a Champions League club where Isak would get both stability and European exposure. On the other hand, United are currently out of Europe, and the team’s graph is down. In such an environment, any top striker will make a move to Old Trafford after careful consideration. Isak chose Liverpool because they fight for the title in the Premier League and Champions League every season.
Manchester United still made inquiries, perhaps because sometimes the hope of a turnaround is the beginning of real change, but here the scene was clear. The club must have realized that Isak probably wouldn’t come, but they still tried. This show that United are still trying to lure big names, but the situation is not so simple anymore. The club now have to rebuild with ground realities. Isak’s refusal should not be seen as a failure, but a reality check. United need to focus on players who not only have skill, but can stick with the club in this rebuilding phase, as we are seeing with our approach for Benjamin Sesko.