Manchester United’s Striker Pursuit
Sources have informed ESPN that Manchester United is in a position to sign a new striker without needing to sell any of their existing players during this transfer window. This confidence follows a summer spending spree where the club invested over £130 million (approximately $172.6 million) to acquire Matheus Cunha from Wolverhampton Wanderers and Bryan Mbeumo from Brentford.
Financial Developments
While the financial landscape for Manchester United remains slightly constrained, recent developments have provided them with some much-needed breathing room. The loan transfer of Marcus Rashford to FC Barcelona has freed up over £12 million ($15.9 million) in wage expenditures, easing their financial tightness. Furthermore, the club has successfully generated around £20.7 million from various clauses linked to previous transfers, including those involving Anthony Elanga, Alvaro Fernandez, and Maxi Oyedele. Additionally, a £5 million penalty from Chelsea for withdrawing from a deal to sign Jadon Sancho has bolstered their coffers.
Transfer Targets
These financial maneuvers, along with favorable payment structures established in the acquisitions of Cunha and Mbeumo, have positioned United to actively pursue a striker. Current reports suggest that they remain interested in Benjamin Sesko, with discussions reportedly underway with RB Leipzig regarding a potential transfer. Newcastle United, eager to secure Sesko as well, has already lodged an offer of €80 million ($106 million).
Should Manchester United ultimately miss out on Sesko, they may redirect their focus toward Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins, although Villa has shown steadfast support for their 29-year-old player, rejecting a £60 million ($79.7 million) bid from Arsenal earlier this year.
Upcoming Matches
As United prepares to cap off their summer tour in the U.S. against Everton in Atlanta this Sunday, Mbeumo is anticipated to make his debut following his absence in the initial matches against West Ham and Bournemouth. Coach Amorim expressed his excitement about Mbeumo’s contributions to the squad, highlighting the eagerness to witness his impact on the game.
