Rúben Amorim Has a Manchester United Striker Puzzle — and No Clear Solution | OneFootball

The Manchester United striker situation is as uncertain as it’s ever been. Matheus Cunha is in, but beyond that, it’s all guesswork. The club has been linked to Bryan Mbeumo but the Cameroonian isn’t a natural striker. Viktor Gyökeres, Victor Osimhen, Hugo Ekitike, and Jean-Philippe Mateta are other names that have popped up, but as of now, there’s no clear frontrunner to lead the line when the 2025/26 season begins.

Without European football next season and under pressure from financial rules, United’s hands may be more tied than fans would like to admit. A striker reshuffle is expected, but who actually takes the No. 9 role?

Cunha In, Mbuemo In (Soon)

Matheus Cunha arrived from Wolves for £62.5m and fits Ruben Amorim’s style perfectly. Press-resistant, mobile, and smart with the ball, the Brazilian brings something the team has lacked, which is fluidity in attack.

But Cunha isn’t a natural striker and wasn’t signed there for Manchester United. He’s better in deeper roles, linking play and dragging defenders around. He might start through the middle at times, but he’s unlikely to be the main source of goals across a 50-game season.

Manchester United also remain in talks to sign Bryan Mbeumo, but Brentford are yet to budge. According to David Ornstein, the club has submitted two formal proposals, one worth £45 million plus £10 million in add-ons and another of £55 million plus £7.5 million in bonuses, yet both bids have fallen short of Brentford’s valuation.

Despite the setbacks, negotiations are ongoing, and Mbeumo is believed to favour a move to Old Trafford over rival interest from Tottenham Hotspur.

The 24-year-old is coming off a solid campaign where he registered nine goals and six assists, despite an injury-hit season. Known for his pressing, versatility, and work rate, Mbeumo fits the mould of what Ruben Amorim wants in his attacking line, but unless Brentford soften their stance or the Old Trafford side raise their offer significantly, this deal is far from done.

Gyökeres, Osimhen, Mateta, Ekitike: Manchester United Striker Targets Under Consideration

Manchester United are poised to reinforce their attack ahead of the 2025/26 campaign, with Rúben Amorim keen to bring in a proven striker to lead the line.

Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyökeres is understood to be the top target. The Swedish international scored 29 goals under Amorim last season and is valued at around £68 million. Reports suggest the striker is open to reuniting with his former manager at Old Trafford, but a deal will depend on United’s ability to raise funds and navigate Financial Fair Play restrictions.

A more affordable option is Jean-Philippe Mateta, who finished the 2024/25 season strongly with Crystal Palace, netting 17 times in all competitions. With his contract situation reportedly under review, the Frenchman could be available for as little as £25 million, offering a cost-effective route to bolster the squad’s attacking depth.

Victor Osimhen, still contracted to Napoli after spending the season on loan at Galatasaray, has a £64 million release clause. However, his high wage demands and strong interest from Saudi Arabian clubs make a Premier League move, particularly to a non-European competing side like the Red Devils, appear unlikely at this stage.

Lastly, Hugo Ekitike is another striker being monitored. Now at Eintracht Frankfurt following a permanent move from PSG, the 23-year-old scored 22 goals last season in all competitions. While his price tag of £67 million is steep, his age and output make him a tempting long-term option if United are able to free up the necessary funds.

None of these targets are close to completion, and with no Champions League football and financial constraints in play, the board must weigh ambition against realism.

The aforementioned absence from Europe next season adds to the uncertainty. Without Champions League or even Europa League football, the club has less pull in the market and fewer resources to spend. Top-level targets may look elsewhere, and squad planning becomes even more complex.

It also means Manchester United have fewer matches to rotate across, which could influence whether a marquee striker signing is seen as necessary or financially justifiable.

Højlund: Loan, Sale, or Stay Put?

Rasmus Højlund’s future is one of the trickier questions facing Manchester United this summer. Signed for £72 million in 2023 from Atalanta, the 22-year-old striker has shown promise in flashes but hasn’t quite nailed down his place as United’s long-term No. 9.

Under Rúben Amorim, there are doubts about whether Højlund suits the system tactically, and the club’s pursuit of a more experienced forward adds to the uncertainty.

A permanent sale looks unlikely, not just because of his age and potential but due to Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR). Selling him now would register a heavy financial loss on United’s books, making the move counterproductive from a financial standpoint.

That’s why a loan deal is quietly seen as a more realistic option. It would allow United to take pressure off the player, potentially develop him elsewhere, and reassess next summer, all without hurting their PSR balance.

That said, if the Red Devils fail to land a top target, Højlund may well stay and compete for his place. His energy, athleticism and attitude remain valuable, and with Amorim likely to rotate across competitions, there could still be minutes to fight for.

Right now, all options remain open, and his future may hinge as much on who arrives as it does on how he’s valued internally.

The 9 Role Is Still Wide Open

Manchester United’s striker plans for 2025/26 remain unresolved. Matheus Cunha is through the door, but he won’t be the leading goal threat. Bryan Mbeumo is a target, but not a centre-forward. Names like Viktor Gyökeres, Victor Osimhen, Hugo Ekitike, and Jean-Philippe Mateta are being discussed, yet no deal is close.

Whether United go big, get creative, or look for a short-term solution, one thing is clear: the No. 9 role is wide open. And with Rasmus Højlund’s future uncertain amid PSR concerns and loan interest, Rúben Amorim’s first season at Old Trafford could begin without a clear first-choice striker.