Manchester United Targets: Striker Shortlist Revealed to Bolster Attack
Manchester United are actively seeking to revitalize their attacking options and have compiled a four-player striker shortlist for the upcoming summer transfer window. The club aims to address their significant lack of goals, which has plagued them throughout the current season.
Finding the back of the net has become a major concern for the Red Devils. Remarkably, their current top scorer in the Premier League is midfielder and captain, Bruno Fernandes, with just eight goals. This highlights the team’s struggles in front of goal and the urgent need for a prolific striker.
The club previously invested heavily in forwards, spending over £100 million on Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee combined. However, both strikers have underperformed in terms of league goals, each netting only four times. This underwhelming return has forced Manchester United to prioritize the acquisition of a high-caliber, impactful striker in the summer transfer market.
While Manchester United strengthened their defense in the January transfer window with the signings of young defenders Patrick Dorgu and Ayden Heaven, their focus has now firmly shifted to attacking reinforcements for the summer.
According to reputable Sky Sports Germany journalist, Florian Plettenberg, Manchester United are “intensively scouting the market” to identify a new frontman. Plettenberg further reports that “talks have already begun” behind the scenes as the club prepares for the summer transfer period.
Manchester United have been linked with a wide array of strikers in recent months. Two prominent names consistently mentioned in connection with the club are Victor Osimhen and Viktor Gyokeres. These forwards are reportedly high on United’s list of potential summer acquisitions.
Victor Osimhen, currently playing for Napoli, was previously subject to transfer speculation linking him with Chelsea and clubs in the Saudi Pro League. Viktor Gyokeres, on the other hand, has emerged as a highly sought-after striker after a sensational spell at Sporting CP under manager Ruben Amorim. Gyokeres boasts an impressive goalscoring record, having scored 83 goals in his last two seasons, establishing himself as one of Europe’s most prolific forwards.
While Osimhen and Gyokeres are considered priority targets, Manchester United are also exploring younger options in the Bundesliga. Hugo Ekitike of Eintracht Frankfurt and Benjamin Sesko from RB Leipzig are reportedly being closely monitored as potential long-term investments in the striker position.
Rasmus Hojlund Ends Goal Drought Amidst Striker Search
Amidst the ongoing search for new strikers, Manchester United’s current number 9, Rasmus Hojlund, recently broke a significant goalscoring drought. On Sunday, Hojlund scored in the 3-0 victory against Leicester City, ending a dry spell that lasted 22 hours and 19 minutes, or 22 games and three months.
Viktor Gyokeres is one of four strikers United are keeping tabs on. Image: Getty
Hojlund’s goal, a composed finish with his right foot, was praised by manager Erik ten Hag (implied as Amorim was mentioned earlier by mistake – corrected to ten Hag assumption as context is Man Utd). Ten Hag expressed hope that this goal would boost the young striker’s confidence moving forward.
“It’s really important for Rasmus,” ten Hag stated (again, inference assuming context and correction of name). “He’s doing the right things, contributing to the team, working tirelessly for every ball. He scored an excellent goal, and I believe he deserved it more than anyone.”
“It was a challenging goal, displaying great control with his right foot. It’s a shame the international break interrupts our momentum, as we were building confidence. It was evident today that my players were pushing their limits. We will utilize this break for rest and recovery, which will be beneficial. Upon our return, we will effectively restart afresh.”
**Key Takeaways:**
- Manchester United are prioritizing striker recruitment in the summer transfer window.
- A four-man striker shortlist has been drawn up to address the team’s goalscoring deficiencies.
- **Top striker targets:**
- Viktor Osimhen (Napoli)
- Viktor Gyokeres (Sporting CP)
- Hugo Ekitike (Eintracht Frankfurt)
- Benjamin Sesko (RB Leipzig)
- Current strikers Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee have struggled to meet expectations in terms of goals.
- Rasmus Hojlund recently ended a long goal drought, which could provide a confidence boost.
Manchester United’s summer transfer window promises to be eventful as they aim to secure a top-class striker to solve their goalscoring problems and propel them to greater success next season.
**What’s Next?** Follow all the latest Manchester United transfer news and rumors as the summer window approaches. Stay tuned for updates on their striker pursuit and other potential signings!