Manchester United may begin the new season without a natural No. 9 after hitting a series of dead ends in the transfer market, despite a summer spending spree under Ruben Amorim.
The arrivals of Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo have lifted some weight off Amorim’s shoulders. Both players combined for 35 goals last season and cost United around £135m. But the club’s priority, a central striker, remains unresolved.
Amorim has been eager to add firepower after United scored only 44 league goals last term. Talks for Liam Delap, Viktor Gyökeres, and Hugo Ekitike all could not see the light of day. Now with less than a month before the window closes, sources say there is no guarantee a deal will be done in time.
United’s squad flew into Chicago earlier this week for a three-match U.S. tour. Rasmus Højlund, Joshua Zirkzee, and Chido Obi made the trip, but doubts linger. Højlund and Zirkzee managed just seven league goals combined last season.
Despite being linked with Inter Milan and Juventus, Højlund is reportedly determined to stay and fight for his place. He has three years left on his current deal. United, however, remain open to future options.
There is also growing talk of a shock swap with Chelsea. Nicolas Jackson could head to Old Trafford, with Alejandro Garnacho moving the other way. Garnacho was left out of the U.S. tour and is valued at £40m.
Chelsea’s interest in Garnacho comes as Delap and João Pedro arrive at Stamford Bridge. Jackson’s future under pressure opens the door for a possible trade.
Amorim could yet shift tactics to fill the gap. Mbeumo, usually deployed as a No. 10, may start as a central striker in his 3-4-3 setup. The Cameroon international could debut against West Ham in New Jersey on Saturday.
With no clear solution in place, United’s search for a goalscorer could stretch into the final hours of the transfer window that is, if it doesn’t fade out entirely.
