Manchester United are pulling out all the stops to reestablish themselves as a powerhouse in European football. It’s been far too long since they commanded respect both in England and across the continent, but despite a challenging 2024/25 season, new manager Ruben Amorim is set on building a squad that can compete at the very top.
A key part of this rebuild began with the £62.5 million capture of Matheus Cunha from Wolves. The Brazilian forward brings energy and unpredictability to the attack, even though he isn’t a classic number nine. His ability to roam and disrupt defensive lines could significantly improve United’s attacking fluidity.
But United aren’t done with their hunt for attacking reinforcements. While Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo remains a top target under INEOS’s leadership, there’s been a surprising twist regarding Rasmus Hojlund—his departure now seems less likely than originally thought. If Hojlund stays, United may ease off on their pursuit of a traditional striker, though bolstering their depth up front remains a priority.
Spanish sources now claim United have turned their attention to Chelsea’s Christopher Nkunku, with negotiations underway for a deal reportedly worth around £35 million. Nkunku, once hailed as a rising star during his time at RB Leipzig, has struggled to replicate that form at Stamford Bridge. Injuries and inconsistency have limited him to just 11 league starts since his £52 million switch in 2023.
With key attackers like Marcus Rashford, Antony, and Alejandro Garnacho all linked with possible exits, Nkunku could represent both a tactical solution and a smart investment. Despite his difficult spell at Chelsea, his versatility and technical qualities remain clear, and Amorim may believe he can unlock the Frenchman’s full potential.
Nkunku once lit up the Bundesliga with 58 goals and 29 assists across his final two campaigns at Leipzig. His ability to drift between positions—operating as a second striker, No. 10, or wide forward—would offer United flexibility in switching formations without changing personnel. He’s also an intelligent presser, a threat from set pieces, and excels at linking up play.
However, there are real concerns too. His fitness record is shaky, with knee and hamstring issues limiting his game time at Chelsea. There’s also the question of fitting him into a squad that still includes Bruno Fernandes and Rashford, unless the latter leaves. Furthermore, his £150k-per-week wage expectations are high for a player who’s still trying to regain form.
Should United press ahead, several squad adjustments would follow. Rashford might be sold or moved permanently to the wing. Antony, Sancho, or Greenwood could be moved on to free up space and budget. Bruno Fernandes could drop deeper in midfield to accommodate Nkunku’s presence. Meanwhile, Cunha would likely serve as a fluid false nine, with Nkunku buzzing around him.
At £35 million, the deal is far cheaper than Chelsea’s original outlay and represents a potential bargain—assuming medical checks come back clean. If Amorim can help Nkunku rediscover his Leipzig brilliance, United might just unlock a dynamic new front line. If not, it risks becoming another costly gamble with echoes of previous transfer misfires.
