Manchester United’s busy summer is well underway, with Ruben Amorim having a huge task on his hands to transform the situation at Old Trafford.
The Red Devils’ dismal season in 2024/25 was reflected in their measly league standing in the Premier League, which saw them finish just a handful of places above the drop zone.
Issues became apparent at both ends of the pitch, with a real lack of star quality within the frontline and the defence areas, as seen by their tallies of goals scored and conceded.
However, the 40-year-old has the opportunity to make the changes he desires to his first-team squad, needing funds from the hierarchy to make the additions to bolster his ranks.
With a couple of months left in the transfer window, Amorim has plenty of time to plot the signings he wants in one department, with countless players remaining on their radar.
The latest on United’s hunt for new attackers
After scoring just 44 goals in the Premier League last season, United’s need for a new talisman is evident, with Amorim making numerous moves in the window already.
Viktor Gyokeres and Victor Osimhen are two forwards who have been hugely on their radar this window, unsurprisingly so given their respective tallies of 54 goals and 37 goals across all competitions in 2024/25.
However, another name has entered the mix in the form of Chelsea star Christopher Nkunku, potentially looking to take advantage of his lack of action at Stamford Bridge.
A report from The Athletic states that the Red Devils have been in constant talks with Enzo Maresca’s side over a move for the Frenchman, who only started nine league games last season.
It also states that a potential swap deal could take place which could see winger Alejandro Garnacho potentially move in the opposite direction, with the Argentine set to depart the club this window.
If United were required to pay a straight up fee, then previous reports have suggested the Blues are looking for around £59m to let him go.
Why United’s latest target would be the dream Watkins alternative
Ollie Watkins is another name who’s been mentioned with a move to United throughout this summer window, with their interest reaching the next level in recent days.
It’s been reported that the Red Devils have made contact with Aston Villa over a deal for the 29-year-old, who’s registered 31 combined goals and assists in the most recent campaign.
Unai Emery’s side could be open to offloading the England international this window, bolstering their PSR standing, whilst handing Amorim an added option within the final third.
However, it may cost the hierarchy a pretty penny, after Arsenal had a £50m offer rejected for Watkins back in the January transfer window seven months ago.
As a result, they could turn their attention to Nkunku. While his form at Chelsea has been questionable, he was “unstoppable”, in the words of European football expert Zach Lowy at RB Leipzig, scoring as many as 23 goals in his final campaign in Germany.
When comparing the pair’s respective figures from the Premier League last year, the Blues talent has managed to outperform the Englishman in numerous key areas, potentially being a bargain addition.
Nkunku may have registered fewer goals, but has posted a higher shot on target accuracy rate – handing Amorim the clinical option he craves in the final third.
Games played
27
38
Goals scored
3
16
Shot on target accuracy
44%
43%
Progressive passes
2.5
1.1
Pass accuracy
90%
72%
Key passes
1.4
0.8
Take-on success
37%
24%
Carries into final third
1.6
0.7
Aerials won
43%
42%
He’s also dominated in terms of his link-up play, completing more passes and more key passes per 90, having the opportunity to provide those around him with chances and also offering the side a needed focal point.
The Frenchman’s all-round dominance is reflected in his take-on success and aerials won, potentially being a key option that could either feature as a nine or even a ten in Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 system.
Whilst it’s unclear how much a deal for the Blues outcast would cost this window, it’s evident that the former RB Leipzig talisman would be a better option than Watkins.
There’s no denying that the Villa star would be a viable option, but ultimately, Nkunku has showcased that he has the all-round ability to catapult the Red Devils to success in the near future.
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1 ByAngus Sinclair Jul 1, 2025