Five top Man United striker contenders ranked: 25-year-old with release clause is no1 choice
It is no secret that Man United are in the market for a striker this summer but will they gamble on a raw talent or hedge their bets on a proven marksman?
Rasmus Hojlund has made an emphatic start to life at Old Trafford but United revert to looking toothless and uninspiring when the Dane is absent.
Marcus Rashford has failed to fill his boots in a striker role and always looks more at home on the left flank, while Anthony Martial’s exit looks inevitable this summer after yet another anonymous campaign.
With a new goalscorer urgently needed at Old Trafford, Football Insider ranks the five strikers United are assessing and how realistic a move could be this summer.
5. Evan Ferguson (Brighton)
The 19-year-old striker took the Premier League by storm with four goals in his opening four matches this season.
Links to the likes of Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United quickly followed – but Ferguson has failed to maintain the superb form he showed at the start of the campaign.
As revealed by Football Insider, Arsenal are keeping tabs on Ferguson ahead of a potential summer move.
The Seagulls striker has only scored twice since September which will understandably add doubt to the thoughts of United’s recruitment team.
Having a young striker to complement Hojlund’s progress could suit United but sources have told Football Insider that Brighton value their teen sensation at £100million-plus. At that price, it would be a huge risk.
4. Ivan Toney (Brentford)
Another Premier League star who looks set for a big-money move this summer.
Toney has publicly flirted with the idea of leaving Brentford this summer and there has been plenty of interest in his signature from Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham.
The 28-year-old has scored four goals in 10 appearances since returning from his betting ban and he also opened his England account with a well-taken penalty against Belgium on Tuesday evening (26 March).
He fits the bill of a proven operator who can provides a cast-iron guarantee of goals even though his age could make a huge outlay slightly unpalatable.
However, Erik ten Hag could have his hands full trying to satisfy both Hojlund and Toney’s demands for game time.
3. Serghou Guirassy (VfB Stuttgart)
Following heavy links to Guirassy over the January window, United could finally land the 28-year-old in the summer.
As revealed by Football Insider, United made Guirassy a top target in January when his release clause was set at £18million.
The Stuttgart forward boasts one of the best goal-to-game ratios in Europe this summer after netting 22 times in 20 appearances in 2023-24.
His incredible form in front of goal has shown no signs of slowing down with five goals in his last four Bundesliga matches.
Guirassy represents a cheaper option who would add depth to United’s forward line while helping to support Hojlund’s development.
2. Jonathan David (Lille)
At 24, David is ready to take the next step in his career and United should be at the front of the queue.
The Canadian ace has scored 22 times in 37 appearances this season, including 15 goals in Ligue 1.
With pace, power and clinical finishing all in his repertoire he could be an ideal fit as a United centre-forward.
1. Viktor Gyokeres (Sporting)
The former Coventry striker, 25, has gone from strength to strength following his £20million move to Sporting Lisbon last summer.
The Swedish star has scored a remarkable 36 goals in all competitions as well as supplied 14 assists for the Portuguese outfit ,and is in demand just as much as his manager Ruben Amorim this summer.
As revealed by Football Insider, both Arsenal and Chelsea are interested in a deal for Gyokeres this summer. Sources have said Gyokeres’ situation is also being monitored.
Amorim has confirmed the existence of a release clause in Gyokeres’ contract – which is reportedly worth €100million (£86million).
In other news, Man United ready to accept summer offer for 32-year-old
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