Manchester United have emerged as one of several clubs reportedly eyeing a move for Chelsea’s Senegalese striker, Nicolas Jackson. The 24-year-old forward, who joined Chelsea from Villarreal in 2023 has sparked interest from clubs, with his future at Stamford Bridge increasingly uncertain.
Number of clubs keeping eye on Nicolas Jackson’s situation at Chelsea. Told Manchester United among them. Focus currently on Bryan Mbeumo & sales. Villa boss Unai Emery long-term admirer. Gave him debut at Villarreal. AC Milan keen but gap in valuation. #CFC #MUFC #AVFC #ACMilan
— Dharmesh Sheth (@skysports_sheth) July 15, 2025
Jackson’s Journey at Chelsea: A Mixed Bag
Since arriving at Chelsea in the summer of 2023, Nicolas Jackson has experienced a rollercoaster ride in the Premier League. The young striker has shown flashes of brilliance, scoring 30 goals and providing 12 assists in 81 matches across all competitions, including 24 Premier League goals over two seasons. Notable highlights include a hat-trick in a 4–1 victory over Tottenham Hotspur in November 2023 and a brace in Chelsea’s 5–0 thrashing of West Ham United in May 2024. More recently, Jackson made headlines by scoring in Chelsea’s 4–1 win over Real Betis in the 2025 UEFA Conference League final, a moment that saw him celebrate with the club’s owners on the pitch.
However, Jackson’s time at Chelsea has not been without its challenges. His 2024/25 Premier League campaign saw a dip in form, with only 10 league goals compared to 14 the previous season, partly due to a two-month hamstring injury. Disciplinary issues have also raised eyebrows, with Jackson receiving red cards in matches against Newcastle United and Flamengo in 2025, contributing to his fall down the pecking order under manager Enzo Maresca. The arrivals of Liam Delap and Joao Pedro have further fuelled speculation that Jackson may be deemed surplus to requirements at Stamford Bridge.
Manchester United’s Interest: A Strategic Move or a Risky Bet?
Manchester United’s interest in Jackson comes as part of their ongoing search for a reliable centre-forward to spearhead their attack. With Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee struggling to deliver consistent goals, and the club missing out on European competition for the 2025/26 season, Amorim is keen to add firepower to his squad.
Nicolas Jackson’s potential fit at Manchester United hinges on his athletic profile and the tactical demands of Ruben Amorim’s system. The 24-year-old Senegalese striker brings pace, pressing intensity, dribbling ability and strong link-up play, qualities that align well with Amorim’s preference for a high-energy, transitional style of play. Jackson’s ability to stretch defences with his runs, as demonstrated during his time at Villarreal and in flashes at Chelsea, could complement United’s existing attackers like Matheus Cunha.
