Manchester United’s need for a new striker has become glaringly apparent as their attacking output has faltered in recent seasons. Rasmus Højlund and Joshua Zirkzee, despite having potential, failed to put together consistent performances last season. The team lacks a proven, world-class goalscorer to consistently deliver in high-stakes matches. With Marcus Rashford out-of-favour under Ruben Amorim, the squad's reliance on youth and makeshift solutions has exposed a lack of depth and clinical finishing.
Signing a top-tier striker—someone with pace, physicality, and a knack for finding the net—could transform United’s fortunes, providing the focal point needed to challenge for major honours and complement their evolving midfield and defensive structure.
Transfer Window So Far
United secured the high-profile acquisition of Brazilian attacking midfielder Matheus Cunha from Wolverhampton Wanderers for a fee exceeding £60 million, a move seen as a statement of intent to add proven Premier League quality and attacking flair to the team. Additionally, United finalized the signing of Paraguayan left-back Diego Leon from Cerro Porteno for a deal worth up to £7 million, with the 18-year-old expected to initially integrate into the youth setup or potentially go out on loan to aid his development. The club is also heavily pursuing Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo, with negotiations ongoing to secure the versatile attacker, signalling a focus on players with established top-flight experience.
Feeling it. pic.twitter.com/NbqA1eJXdh
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) June 12, 2025
On the outgoing side, Manchester United are prioritizing player sales to fund further transfers and comply with financial regulations, with several players reportedly seeking exits. Antony, Alejandro Garnacho, Tyrell Malacia, Marcus Rashford, and Jadon Sancho have informed the club of their desire to leave, potentially freeing up significant funds and squad space. Departures of Jonny Evans, Victor Lindelof, and Christian Eriksen were confirmed, as their contracts were not renewed
Ferdinand Backs Osimhen
Manchester United have been tracking a striker signing throughout this window, with continuous links to Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Ollie Watkins, However, it is another striker who club legend Rio Ferdinand wants his former side to divert their attention to. Speaking on talkSPORT, Ferdinand endorsed a move for Nigeria international Victor Osimhen. “I sound like a broken record. Anyone who listens to my podcast knows I’ve been talking about Osimhen for a while now. Today I saw that Galatasaray made a 50 million pound offer. That’s incredibly low in today’s market for a world-class striker — one of the best in the game. If Manchester United are looking for a No.9 and he ends up going to Galatasaray for that price, I’ll be deeply disappointed,” Ferdinand stated.
