Several Premier League sides are in the hunt for new strikers this summer, and Manchester United are firmly among them. Following a disastrous season where they slumped to 15th in the league and lost out on European competition after a defeat to Tottenham in the Europa League final, the club—now under the leadership of Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS—are pushing to rebuild under Ruben Amorim.
United have already faced setbacks in the transfer market. Their attempt to sign Liam Delap from Ipswich Town ended in disappointment after Chelsea activated his £30 million release clause. Meanwhile, Viktor Gyökeres, who once played under Amorim at Sporting Lisbon, has dismissed the idea of a reunion and appears keen on joining Arsenal instead.
There have been some gains for the Red Devils. Matheus Cunha has already arrived, and talks with Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo are ongoing, with the forward believed to prefer a move to Old Trafford. Yet, United are still missing a true number nine. Rasmus Hojlund, once considered a future star after his £72 million move from Atalanta last year, struggled last season, managing just four goals in 32 Premier League appearances. Criticised harshly by some, Hojlund’s struggles seem more a result of United’s poor system than lack of potential. Even so, a move back to Italy—potentially with Inter Milan—may be on the cards for the 22-year-old.
With Gyökeres unlikely and Hojlund faltering, United are exploring other striker options. According to Ben Jacobs of GIVEMESPORT, they are eyeing Juventus’ Dusan Vlahovic. The Serbian striker is open to leaving Turin this summer, having refused a contract extension. He has been offered to several Premier League clubs, including United, Tottenham, and Aston Villa. Reports suggest that a deal could be struck for around £25 million, a bargain considering Juventus paid £67 million for him in 2022.
Though his form at Juventus has been inconsistent, Vlahovic remains a top striker. Once dubbed the “new Haaland” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, the 25-year-old is known for his physicality, sharp movement, and instinctive finishing. Despite limited starts last season, he still managed ten league goals, and his overall Serie A record—87 goals and 17 assists in 202 appearances—shows he knows how to deliver.
Compared to Gyökeres, Vlahovic might lack the recent goal tally, but he offers valuable experience from one of Europe’s toughest leagues and is likely to be a more economical option. While Gyökeres fits Amorim’s style more seamlessly, Vlahovic could still thrive under his guidance—especially if surrounded by talented wide forwards like Cunha and Mbeumo.
With Juventus eager to sell and Vlahovic reportedly available for modest wages of £200k per week, the deal is financially viable. He may not be United’s first choice, but he could prove to be a smart signing—bringing power, experience, and the potential for a resurgence at Old Trafford.
