As Bayern Munich moves to secure an long-term extension, Michael Carrick’s search for a clinical number nine continues despite a massive £206 million investment in Old Trafford's frontline.
Could Bryan Mbeumo be a better striker option?
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Manchester United's struggles in front of goal during the 2024/25 season led the club to overhaul its forward line after Joshua Zirkzee and Rasmus Højlund managed just seven goals between them.
To address this, United spent heavily on three major additions to the forward line, bringing in Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Šeško for around £206 million. This decision paid off, as the trio of new signings all reached double figures in Premier League goals.
Although Højlund's loan deal became permanent after Napoli qualified for the Champions League, Zirkzee remains at United as one of Michael Carrick's backup striker options.
Despite showing glimpses at times during his time at Old Trafford, the Dutch forward has shown that his best position is not as a natural number nine; as a result, Matheus Cunha has been deployed as a striker, to mixed success.
Man Utd receive major Kane blow
Joshua Zirkzee almost left the club in the summer window, with several Serie A clubs reportedly interested in signing the 25-year-old, but Everton came closest to securing the deal, making an approach towards the end of deadline day.
After sending Chido Obi out on loan, United felt they didn't have enough time to sign another striker, so ultimately kept Zirkzee despite their clear need for reinforcements up front with a better guarantee of goals.
While United's recent transfer trend suggests defence will be the club's main area of improvement next summer, United should also look at striker depth, as Šeško needs competition up front and rest as he continues to develop.
Despite United's long-term admiration for Harry Kane, TEAMtalk have reported that that Bayern Munich are fully confident the Englishman will put pen to paper on a new long-term contract, with the German giants seeing the deal as a matter of when, not if.
The outlet reports that Kane's camp continues to assess the broader picture to see what other options may be available to him as talks with Bayern progress.
TEAMtalk also state that that former club Tottenham Hotspur and United would be more than happy to explore a route to bring the Ballon d'Or contender back to the Premier League.
The club legend warns that Michael Carrick’s side lacks a clinical edge after failing to punish a ten-man City, questioning a summer transfer strategy that left United short up front.roundtable.ioWayne Rooney Names Two Man Utd Forwards Already Causing Michael Carrick Problems
The club legend warns that Michael Carrick’s side lacks a clinical edge after failing to punish a ten-man City, questioning a summer transfer strategy that left United short up front.
Man Utd's striker conundrum
Despite being just 23 years old, Benjamin Šeško has been a known quantity for several seasons, emerging as one of Europe's highest-rated attacking talents during his time at Red Bull Salzburg.
Last season, the Slovenian struggled in the first half of the season but came to life under Carrick, scoring seven goals in 13 appearances under the now head coach, but his season was cut short with a shin injury he picked up against Liverpool at the start of May, which ruled him out for United's pre-season preparations, hampering his start to the 2026/27 campaign.
As a result, Matheus Cunha has deputised as a striker, preferring to play as a false nine, but he seems better drifting in from the wing to a more central area, which brought him great success last season.
With Amad out injured, Bryan Mbeumo is the club's main right-wing option, but he could be a good option to deputise as a striker once the Ivorian returns to the matchday squad. Marcus Rashford has also played as a striker at times during his career at United, which would also allow Cunha to return to his favoured position off the left.