Jonathan David: Man United keeping close eye on Juventus striker | OneFootball

Manchester United’s unbeaten Premier League run in 2026 came to an end at St James’ Park on Wednesday, 4 March. The Red Devils succumbed to a 2-1 defeat at the hands of 10-man Newcastle United, who took the lead through Anthony Gordon’s penalty in the sixth minute of first-half injury time.

United responded swiftly, with Bruno Fernandes setting up Casemiro to score the equaliser three minutes later. The Red Devils threw everything at the home side after the break, but it was the Magpies who scored in the 90th minute through William Osula.

The defeat also ended Michael Carrick’s unbeaten start to his caretaker reign, although United remain third in the league table after 29 games. Having secured a hard-fought win over Crystal Palace just days earlier, the result perhaps suggested that the English giants lack the squad depth to play twice a week.

The attack failed to deliver on a day when it was badly needed, igniting talk of further reinforcements over the summer. It now appears that United have set their sights on a Serie A striker to address the situation.

United monitoring Jonathan David

According to TEAMtalk, United are among the clubs who are keeping a close eye on Juventus striker Jonathan David. The report states: “TEAMtalk can reveal that Juventus will allow Jonathan David to leave this summer if they manage to nail down another top international striker to a contract – with a number of Premier League clubs alerted to the possibility of that the 153-goal Canada international could be on the move this summer.”

“We can confirm that intermediaries, with knowledge of David’s situation, have been doing their due diligence and spoken to a host of Premier League clubs over the possibility of a summer move.”

“Indeed, Manchester United, Aston Villa, Newcastle, Tottenham, Brighton, Everton, Sunderland, Nottingham Forest and Leeds – all of whom are likely to be in the market for a new frontman this summer – are among the numerous clubs we have been told have been updated on the striker’s situation.”

The report states that a move will depend on Juventus tying down Dusan Vlahovic, whose contract expires this summer, to a new deal. It adds: “Publicly, David’s own camp continues to insist the player is settled in Turin, but they are aware that an opportunity to move their client on this summer could open up.”

“And we can reveal that those chances will significantly increase should Juventus manage to persuade another of their frontmen, Dusan Vlahovic, to sign a new deal.”

David’s season so far

David arrived in Turin last summer as a free agent following the expiry of his contract with Lille. United were also interested in his signature following an impressive spell with the French club, but the Canadian opted to join Juventus instead.

However, he has been a shadow of his former self this season, registering seven goals and five assists in 37 appearances across all competitions.

Jonathan David Stats: 2025/26 Season

Source: Transfermarkt.

For context, the 26 year old registered 25 goals and 12 assists from 49 games in all competitions for Lille last season. David has scored 153 goals and registered 51 assists from 352 games in his club career to date. However, his struggles in Italy mean that he could be on the move again this year.

Final Thoughts

United invested a small fortune in Benjamin Sesko last summer, and he is likely to remain the main striker for the club in the coming years. However, Joshua Zirkzee’s future remains unclear, so rumours of attacking additions are understandable.

The Red Devils have preferred Premier League-proven candidates while reinforcing their squad of late, so that strategy is likely to continue this summer. The Premier League giants will also be wary on the back of Zirkzee’s struggles after his move from Serie A, so it is perhaps safe to take these reports with a pinch of salt.

Featured image Vaughn Ridley via Getty Images

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