Manchester United Eye Experienced No 9 in Former Fulham Star | OneFootball

Mitrovic Back on Premier League Radar as United Track New No 9

Manchester United’s search for a more seasoned presence at the top end of the pitch has brought a familiar name back into focus. Aleksandar Mitrovic, the former Fulham and Newcastle striker, now at Al-Hilal, is firmly on the radar at Old Trafford.

According to Caught Offside, Manchester United are monitoring Mitrovic as a potential option to become their next first-choice striker. The club is seeking to add experience to a frontline that has leaned heavily on the youthful shoulders of Rasmus Hojlund.

Mitrovic, now 30, left Fulham in 2023 for a £50 million move to Saudi Pro League giants Al-Hilal, where he has continued his prolific form. With 68 goals in 79 appearances, he has helped his side win one Saudi Cup and two Saudi Super Cups. Despite his success in the Gulf, a Premier League return is now firmly under consideration.

Photo IMAGO

Proven Goalscorer Re-emerges

There were once doubts about whether Mitrovic could replicate his Championship form at the highest level, but the Serbian answered those questions during Fulham’s 2022–23 Premier League campaign, scoring 14 goals in just 24 appearances. At international level, he has won over 100 caps and remains Serbia’s go-to man.

The report adds that Mitrovic “failed to live up to expectations at Newcastle United but proved to be a deadly striker at Fulham,” underlining the transformation in his game.

Now, as Al-Hilal look to balance the books and make room for new arrivals, his availability has sparked renewed interest. “Al-Hilal previously wanted £40m for him but have now dropped those demands to €30m (£26m),” Caught Offside revealed.

Premier League Rivals Also Circle

Manchester United are not alone. Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle are also monitoring the situation closely. Newcastle are reportedly “warming to the idea” of bringing Mitrovic back to St James’ Park, while Spurs are eyeing him as cover and competition for Dominic Solanke.

It marks the beginning of what could be a competitive transfer tug-of-war. While United’s long list of striker targets includes younger names like Benjamin Sesko and Dusan Vlahovic, manager Ruben Amorim appears to favour a figure who can immediately shoulder the pressure of leading the line.

“Ruben Amorim wants a senior player who can handle the pressure of being Man Utd’s main striker, unlike Hojlund, and Mitrovic could be that man,” the report adds.

Source: IMAGO

Striker Hunt Far From Over

Manchester United’s pursuit of a new No 9 reflects more than just the need for firepower. It is about leadership, presence and a different profile from the raw and developing Hojlund. While Sesko remains a top target, there is concern that he may not be the complete answer, especially in the short term.

Meanwhile, Newcastle are preparing for life without Alexander Isak, who is reportedly on Liverpool’s radar, and they have Sesko and Watkins among their alternatives. It sets up a complicated and crowded marketplace where Mitrovic could be the most direct, ready-made solution available for United.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

For many Manchester United fans, the name Aleksandar Mitrovic may not spark the same excitement as some of the younger European talents, but there is a logic to this move that should not be ignored. Experience, physicality, and consistency in front of goal are all traits this United side lacks in the striker department.

Hojlund has talent, no doubt, but the pressure of leading the line every week in the Premier League and Europe is a big burden for a 21-year-old still learning the role. Mitrovic, while not a glamorous signing, knows the league, has evolved his game, and carries a presence that would unsettle defenders and create space for others.

Some fans will see the £26 million price tag as reasonable business, especially considering Al-Hilal’s willingness to reduce their demands. Others might worry about the long-term direction if it means blocking minutes for Hojlund. But competition is healthy, and with the club aiming for silverware under Amorim, depth is crucial.

United have tried project strikers. Mitrovic could be the kind of short-term fix that finally works, bridging the gap while younger names continue to grow.