Manchester United’s hunt for a new striker has been far and wide so far this summer as Ruben Amorim looks to strengthen his squad ahead of 2025/26.
The 40-year-old has already added Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo to his ranks, but the pair are set to operate in the number ten role behind the striker.
With Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee only netting seven Premier League goals between them last campaign, it reinforces the need for a new talisman during the current window.
However, despite their success elsewhere in the market, a new striker has still eluded them to date, opening the door to added investment from the hierarchy.
Various players have emerged on their radar as of late, with a real importance on landing a new forward to help catapult the Red Devils back to the top of England’s top-flight.
Man United on the hunt to sign a new striker
Benjamin Sesko has been a player who’s emerged as a key target for United this summer, but they’re not alone, with Newcastle United also keen on the 22-year-old this summer.
Amorim’s side are said to be in talks with RB Leipzig over a move for the Slovenian international, after he registered 21 goals for the German side throughout 2024/25.
However, the youngster isn’t the only player in their sights, with Chelsea talisman Nicolas Jackson also a player they’re considering, according to The Independent.
They claim that United have held talks with Chelsea over a deal to sign the Senegalese international, but it could be an expensive addition, as they’ve placed an £80m price tag on his head.
Despite the price tag, the report states that the hierarchy are proposing a potential swap plus cash deal which could see bomb squad member Alejandro Garnacho move in the opposite direction.
Why United’s latest target would be a better signing than Sesko
As previously mentioned, Sesko has been targeted by United in recent weeks, but despite his excellent goalscoring record in Germany, the hierarchy must be cautious in any deal for his signature.
Whilst the Slovenian has showcased his goalscoring record, he could cost a pretty penny, with his current employers demanding £80m for his signature this summer.
Such a move could see a repeat for Hojlund, after the Danish international scored 10 goals for Atalanta the season before his own £72m move to Old Trafford.
The additions of Cunha and Mbeumo highlight the club’s recruitment strategy of investing money in players who have already proven themselves in England’s top-flight.
A deal for Sesko would go against their ethos during the current window, subsequently needing to avoid a move for the Leipzig star and prioritise a move for Jackson this summer.
Whilst the Senegalese international may not be many of the supporters’ first choice, his experience in the Premier League could be vital, whilst also being a cost-effective option should Garnacho be included in any deal.
He’s also managed to better Sesko in numerous areas during recent times, undoubtedly being a better addition for Amorim’s side during the off-season.
Games played
30
33
Goals & assists
15
18
Shot-on-target accuracy
45%
43%
Pass accuracy
76%
67%
Key passes made
1.2
0.7
Shot-creating actions
2.8
1.9
Progressive carries
1.9
1.7
Carries into opposition box
1.3
0.5
Jackson managed to achieve a higher shot on target accuracy rate last season, subsequently being more accurate with his efforts in attacking areas, leading to Pubity Sport labelling him as “sensational”.
He also managed to complete more passes, with more of which being defined as key passes, highlighting his all-round ability, which could allow the aforementioned new additions to hit the ground running in Manchester.
His dominance over Sesko is further reflected in his tally of carries into the opposition box per 90, being able to create chances out of nothing, undoubtedly being less reliant on players around him to have chances in front of goal.
If a deal can be agreed with Chelsea over a potential swap deal, it would be a superb piece of business by the club, offloading a player not in Amorim’s plans whilst landing a star who’d fill a key position in the side.
There’s no denying that the Leipzig star would be a solid option, but given the difference in stats and Jackson’s prior experience in England, the hierarchy should be going all out on a move for the Senegalese star.
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