‘Man United believed he was joining’ – Striker signing had been in the bag
Manchester United have been tipped to make a surprising move in the transfer market as they look to sign a centre-forward.
The Red Devils have added both Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo to their ranks so far this summer, but are searching for a number nine to complete their front three.
Last season, senior figures at United became frustrated with Rasmus Hojlund, as they felt he was not working hard enough.
Despite working to replace the Dane, Ruben Amorim’s side have missed out on the likes of Liam Delap and Viktor Gyokeres already.
Everton’s former chief Keith Wyness – who served as CEO at Goodison Park between 2004 and 2009 and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs – believes that Man United could end the window without bringing in a new striker.
Man United had been all set for Ollie Watkins after Liam Delap agreement
Speaking on the new edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, Wyness insisted that there is a real possibility that United could be stuck with Hojlund for next season, as they still have a big gap at number nine.
The Denmark international scored just four Premier League goals across the course of the 2024/25 campaign, as he flattered to deceive while leading the line.
Wyness revealed that he thought Ollie Watkins would’ve been a good signing for United, but the hierarchy at Old Trafford may see him as too old.
He told Football Insider‘s Inside Track podcast: “I thought Ollie Watkins would have made sense for them, but they’re obviously going for a younger situation.
“We’ll have to wait and see where they go because losing Liam Delap was a big blow to them. I think they really believed he was going to be joining.
“If they had got Delap with Mbuemo and Cunha, then that would have been an interesting forward trio, but there’s still that big gap at number nine. Maybe they’re going to be stuck with Rasmus Hojlund, we’ll have to wait and see.”
Man United make decision on signing Chelsea star
Meanwhile, Man United will only make a move for Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson if the price is right, sources have told Football Insider.
Jackson has been heavily linked with a Stamford Bridge exit this summer, after the Blues signed Delap and Joao Pedro.
However, sources say that United are in a difficult financial position, and they can’t afford to sign the 24-year-old if Chelsea set a high asking price.
Reportedly, the West London side want over £80million for the Senegal international, which would be too expensive for the Red Devils (Sky Sports).
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