Manchester’s horrible 2024/25 campaign has come to its logical end. The Red Devils failed to win a title and finished 15th in the Premier League, their worst result in the competition’s history.
Ruben Amorim should quickly resolve the situation at the club and we can certainly expect high-profile transfers. With the summer window fast approaching, Manchester United are stepping up their pursuit of a reliable goal machine. Three names stand out in the chase: Viktor Gyökeres, Matheus Cunha, and Liam Delap. Who will be the top candidate?
Why Man Utd Need Another Striker?
As I followed the whole campaign closely, Manchester United lacked creativity in the offence. Joshua Zirkzee’s arrived from Bologna, and was to become the main striker. However, the Dutch international only amassed seven goals in 49 appearances.
Additionally, Rasmus Højlund has been inconsistent throughout the season. Ruben Amorim’s system required a strong focal point, and currently, I can’t see the Dane fitting into that role.
Furthermore, almost all of Manchester United’s rivals have high-quality attackers. If the team want to compete in the Premier League, it would be almost impossible without a prolific forward.
Option 1: Viktor Gyökeres
Swedish Victor Gyökeres is undoubtedly a goalscoring machine. In just two seasons with Sporting, he has managed to register 68 goals in 69 matches. His physicality, pressing and finishing are what Manchester United need right now in the front.
However, signing Gyökeres won’t be an easy task, as his transfer is estimated to be around €70-80 million. The competition is also fierce from other clubs, as Arsenal are also targeting the Swedish goalscorer.
80 goals for club and country this season for Viktor Gyökeres 🤯🇸🇪
An absolute machine 🦾 pic.twitter.com/BjcbIZVpjh
— OneFootball (@OneFootball) May 26, 2025
Another aspect to keep in mind is that many of Sporting Portugal’s previous top scorers never continued their prolific scoring at clubs of a higher calibre. This list includes the likes of Jardel, Liédson, Islam Slimani, and Bas Dost. Whether the same can be said about Gyökeres is something that will only become evident in the next season.
I think if Gyökeres arrives at the club, Manchester United should let go of either Højlund or Zirkzee. Ruben Amorim would be in favour of signing him, as the head coach has already worked with Gyökeres at Sporting.
Option 2: Matheus Cunha
Matheus Cunha is the most obvious candidate to move to the Red Devils. Playing for Wolves, the Brazil international is what you call an all-around striker. Thanks to his technique and versatility, Cunha is excellent in link-up plays and can press the defenders effectively.
Next Season! 🇧🇷 pic.twitter.com/owF2nuTyff
— Matheus Cunha 🇧🇷 (@MatheusCunhax) May 25, 2025
While he is not a prolific scorer, Amorim could use him in the role of a second striker. We have already seen his qualities this season, and while the numbers are not as impressive compared to Gyökeres’s (15 Premier League goals), his goals were scored against defenders of a higher level.
Option 3: Liam Delap
The third option for Manchester United is Manchester City academy product Liam Delap, who was part of the already-relegated Ipswich Town. Even at the struggling club, he has managed to score 12 goals and has been a standout player.
The young, powerful English striker could be an ideal fit for the long-term rebuild strategy. Although he has less experience, at a lower cost and with Premier League-ready potential, Delap would be a great choice for the Red Devils.
Who Fits Best? Tactical and Financial Fit
I think all these transfers have their pros and cons. For me, Victor Gyökeres is the best fit for now. However, he will cost United a significant amount of money, and considering the history, there is no guarantee that he will deliver the same results in England.
Matheus Cunha is stylish, but his signing carries a risk. The Brazilian international does not particularly stand out for his scoring efficiency. Instead, he serves more as an assistant to the striker.
Man United have agreed the framework of a deal for Liam Delap, sources have told ESPN.
They are now waiting for the Ipswich Town striker to decide on his next move 👀 pic.twitter.com/0mXjdmqCVH
— ESPN UK (@ESPNUK) May 27, 2025
Liam Delap will cost United much less, but he has tremendous potential. The obvious question is whether the former Man City player will be ready to join the archrival.
The Clock Is Ticking
With pre-season looming and Ruben Amorim under pressure to deliver, United’s next move in the striker market could define their 2025/26 campaign. Possibly, the manager’s future could also be at stake, as numerous managers at Manchester United have lost their jobs in recent years.
One thing remains clear – the Red Devils are in a deep crisis. Whether it is a new transfer or a crucial change in the system, the upcoming campaign will unravel a lot, and it will become clear how Amorim strives to end the club’s ongoing vicious cycle.
