Manchester United will look to add to their attacking ranks this summer after a miserable season in front of goal.
As well as recording their lowest ever finish in Premier League history (15th), the Red Devils logged their worst goalscoring tally in the re-branded top-flight (44 goals).
United’s two main antagonists who failed to get the job done up top – Joshua Zirkzee and Rasmus Hojlund – managed just seven league goals combined (three for Zirkzee and four for Hojlund).
Unsurprisingly, Ruben Amorim has consequently urged United’s chiefs to be active in the transfer market, and they have already responded by making a move for Matheus Cunha.
The Wolves forward completed his £62.5m move to the Theatre of Dreams on Sunday, making him the second signing made by United’s current coach.
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But Amorim seems to have missed out on his other attacking target – Ipswich Town‘s Liam Delap – who is set to join Chelsea for £30m in the coming days.
Clinical ability is clearly what the team lack. So which alternative summer signings would bring that to Old Trafford?
Bryan Mbeumo
Although he’s technically not a “proper No 9”, Mbuemo is still as lethal as almost anyone in the division – and he took a step up in 2024-25.
The 25-year-old logged the third-most goal contributions in the Premier League last season (27). His xG overperformance (8) was the most of any player in the English top-flight, while he also created the fourth-most big chances (17).
Not to mention, Mbeumo’s dynamism would make him a perfect fit in Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 system. The Cameroonian is comfortable almost anywhere in the forward line and is a relentless presser. He won possession in the attacking third 32 times last season – the third-most of any player in the league.
Brentford boss Thomas Frank previously admitted his side are somewhat resigned to losing their star man “if the price is right” this summer. Multiple reports have stated the Bees rate Mbeumo between £50m and £60m. If United are able to cough up the funds, this seems like a no-brainer.
Benjamin Sesko
Coming off arguably his best season to date, Sesko will have multiple suitors awaiting him this summer. The Slovenian international scored 21 goals and registered six assists in all competitions for RB Leipzig in 2024-25.
Sesko’s xG overperformance was the fifth-highest of any player in the Bundesliga (4.43) last season. At 6ft 5in, he also completed an impressive 39 take-ons – the fourth-most of any striker.
Sesko has been hot property for some time now. The forward has long been a dream signing for fans of multiple Premier League clubs, with Arsenal tipped as his most likely destination this summer.
Nevertheless, United have reportedly still been scouting him in recent months. Christopher Vivell – the club’s director of recruitment – brought Sesko to RB Salzburg as a 16-year-old in 2019. The Red Devils will be banking on a touch of sentimentality to sway their transfer target.
Viktor Gyokeres
Gyokeres has been heavily linked to United and Arsenal this season and for good reason. The Swede scored more goals than any player in Europe’s top 10 leagues in 2024 (52). Last season, he logged a mind-boggling 39 goals and seven assists in 32 Liga Portugal games.
And in the Champions League, he was his prolific self. The striker scored 0.89 goals per 90, while he also showed off his playmaking abilities, creating the fourth-most open play chances per 90 in the competition.
Gyokeres’ release clause is just £60m, which is nowhere near proportional to his output. Yes, he’s doing it in a slightly weaker Portuguese league. But for United to not take a punt on him when they so desperately need a goalscoring outlet would feel like a missed opportunity.
And don’t forget, Gyokeres starred under Amorim when the pair worked together at Sporting. Keep an eye on this potential reunion.