(Football news) Manchester United allowed Marcus Rashford and Antony to leave on loan in January, and it had been thought that the club would sign a short-term option in the final third of the field, with Mathys Tel seemingly a target.
However, Manchester United ultimately could not come to an agreement with Bayern Munich over Tel, and the forward instead made the move to Tottenham Hotspur on an initial loan deal.
The 20-time English champions were also linked with Chelsea’s Christopher Nkunku and Aston Villa’s Leon Bailey, while Randal Kolo Muani had seemingly been a target before he moved to Juventus from Paris Saint-Germain.
Manchester United ultimately refused to panic despite the exits of Antony and Rashford, with the club holding their nerve in order to be in a stronger financial position during this summer’s transfer window.
Manchester United ‘will move for a new striker this summer’
According to multiple reports, Manchester United’s priority this summer is to bring in a centre-forward, with both Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee struggling during the 2024-25 campaign.
Hojlund has only managed seven goals in 30 appearances, while Zirkzee has four goals in 35 outings, and both were on the bench against Crystal Palace last time out, with Kobbie Mainoo instead used as a false nine.
As well as Rashford and Antony, Tyrell Malacia exited Man United in the winter window, completing a loan switch to PSV Eindhoven, while defenders Ayden Heaven and Patrick Dorgu arrived to boost the defence.
Man United allegedly accept that their January business has left them short in attack for the second half of the season, but the plan was always to sign a big-money number nine during this summer’s transfer window.
Which players are options for Manchester United?
Viktor Gyokeres is believed to be Man United’s leading centre-forward target, with the 26-year-old having a close relationship with now Man United head coach Ruben Amorim following their time together at Sporting Lisbon.
The Sweden international knows what is needed from a striker in an Amorim side, while he has been in incredible scoring form this term, netting 34 times in 33 appearances in all competitions.
Gyokeres has a £83m release clause in his current deal, but there have been suggestions that he could be available for around £60m this summer, which would make him a bargain in the current market.
There is also believed to be a degree of interest in Ipswich Town’s Liam Delap, who will almost certainly leave Portman Road if his side are relegated, while Man United are thought to be keeping a close eye on Victor Osimhen’s situation.
Osimhen has been on loan at Galatasaray from Napoli this season, scoring 17 times and registering five assists in 22 appearances in all competitions, and the 26-year-old could be on the move on a permanent basis this summer.
Also read: Manchester United announce the departure of Malacia and all about it
