Manchester United Face Big Call on Striker Role Yet Again

Manchester United’s struggle to find the net last season rendered their campaign one of the bleakest in Premier League history. A total of just 44 league goals – the fewest since they were relegated in 1974 – forced a rethink.

Summer reinforcements are arriving, with Bryan Mbeumo expected to cost around £65m and Matheus Cunha already secured. The combined outlay of £127.5m points to a major emphasis on strengthening attacking options. Yet neither player is an out-and-out number nine, raising doubts about the central striker role.

“United’s attack is clearly an area they need to improve,” said former striker Chris Sutton. “That’s why they have gone for Mbeumo, because I think he is someone they feel they can trust in all areas… with the work-rate and energy – and goals too. Mbeumo is absolutely not cheap, but that is the going rate for a proven Premier League player.”

Sutton continued: “They want players who aren’t projects. Mbeumo is one of those. Cunha too. The question is, do United still need another number nine? Because Rasmus Hojlund did not score enough last season.”

United showed interest in Ipswich striker Liam Delap, available for £30m, but he signed for Chelsea. Financial limitations remain, and without significant outgoings, pursuing a player like Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins is improbable. The free agent market offers names such as Dominic Calvert-Lewin or Jamie Vardy, but neither comes without worries.

United previously invested £72m in Hojlund. At the time, then-manager Erik ten Hag said the Dane had “huge potential” but still “had to prove it.”

So far, he hasn’t.

Four goals in the Premier League from 5.2 expected goals is a stark return. His understudy, Joshua Zirkzee, managed only three. The lack of service could be blamed, but deeper questions linger.

Sutton said: “Have United been providing him with the chances? No. But also, has he done well enough? Has he ever been prolific? That would be the nagging doubt.”

Now 22, Hojlund has a contract through to 2028. Selling now would mean accepting a major financial loss. United’s choice is clear – add another nine, or gamble Hojlund excels flanked by Cunha and Mbeumo?

Regardless of the outcome, United’s last league campaign proved the consequences of lacking a reliable finisher.

Mbeumo scored 20 league goals last season – only Erling Haaland, Mohamed Salah, and Alexander Isak scored more. However, his 12.3 expected goals places his 7.7-goal overperformance in rare company – just 14 players in the last five years have beaten xG by more than five.

“Playing at Manchester United is very different,” said Sutton. “With respect to Brentford, there’s no massive expectation there. At United, he will be expected to perform straight away.”

The Cameroon international typically operates from the right, cutting inside, though can also play as a centre-forward. His activity is unmissable – he led all Premier League players with 15+ goals in touches per 90 minutes and ranked among the top ball carriers with end product.

Though he registered seven assists last term, his expected assists (9.3) ranked highest in the league. Pairing that with Cunha’s creativity, they offer a fresh supply line.

“Consistency in those forward positions is what United are striving for,” said Sutton. “They are maybe thinking an older, more experienced player, who is more reliable, is what they need. That’s Mbeumo.

“Amorim wants a consistent performer, not someone who turns up one week and disappears the next.”

With the new Premier League season beginning against Arsenal, where United turn next in the striker conversation could shape their year.