The 2024/25 season is finally over, and that will come as a welcome relief for fans of Manchester United. A miserable campaign under Ruben Amorim saw the Red Devils finish in their lowest position in Premier League history, while a potential season-saving Europa League final against Tottenham Hotspur also ended in defeat.
There are major issues that the club must address this season, but there are few more problematic areas of the field than in the forward positions. United managed to score just 44 league goals in 2024/25, while their tally of 23 at Old Trafford was their lowest in Premier League history.
A new number nine is certain to arrive at the Theatre of Dreams this summer, and there are a few reported names that the club are monitoring.
Viktor Gyökeres
As soon as Amorim arrived at Old Trafford, there was an expectancy that Manchester United would trigger Viktor Gyökeres’s release clause in the summer. The Swedish international is one of the most dominant strikers in European soccer, and he has attracted interest from some of the world’s biggest clubs.
Gyökeres continued to break records in a league-winning campaign for Sporting Lisbon in 2024/25, netting a staggering 39 goals in 33 matches. Overall, he ended the season with a mighty impressive 46 goal involvements in Liga NOS.
That one man who believed in me ❤️💚 pic.twitter.com/HKSg5ALzvV
— (fã) Viktor Gyökeres 🇸🇪 (@gyokeresxtra) May 28, 2025
He is the striker that fits the profile that United are looking for, but attracting him to Old Trafford could be a huge challenge without Champions League qualification.
A deal isn’t likely to be cheap, and it would require the Swede to place his trust in Amorim to get United back on track quickly. At this stage, a move appears unlikely, as the striker is likely to favor a move to a Champions League team, making Arsenal his most likely destination.
Victor Osimhen
The long-term future of Victor Osimhen has been one of the biggest talking points in European soccer over the last few years. The Nigerian fell out of favor at Napoli, which led to a loan spell with Galatasaray in 2024/25, despite Premier League interest. Osimhen clearly excelled during his time in Turkey, netting an impressive 25 goals in 29 league appearances and scoring 6 in 7 in the Europa League.
— Victor Osimhen (@victorosimhen9) May 26, 2025
Given Man United is in the market for a striker this summer, it took little imagination to connect the dots between the two parties. However, for many, signing Osimhen would be a step back in the wrong direction for the Red Devils, as the forward would demand a mega-money wage, and his attitude has already led to his Napoli falling out.
While a move makes sense from a soccer standpoint, it’s most likely that United will overlook the opportunity, with Osimhen most likely to end up in the Saudi Pro League.
Liam Delap
Despite a poor return to the Premier League, Liam Delap has been one of the shining lights for Ipswich Town. The 22-year-old striker scored 12 goals in 36 appearances in the English top-flight last season, showcasing just what Manchester City believed they saw in the forward from a young age.
Delap’s physicality saw him win an average of 1.6 aerial duels per game in 2024/25, and he registered two assists to go along with his 12 goals. The striker amassed that tally after registering an average of 1.8 shots per game to accumulate an xG of 11.7.
I trust in Liam Delap. Especially for £30m… pic.twitter.com/FY1J5kyKos
— ~ (@CFCdruw) May 27, 2025
Following Ipswich’s relegation, it was revealed that Delap has a £30 million release clause in his contract, and that has ignited a chase for his signature. Man United are among his most likely suitors, but they face competition from Chelsea, Newcastle United, and Everton.
Who Should United Sign?
One of the most important decisions that Man United make this summer will revolve around the number nine that they sign. The club will be looking to bring in a striker who can hit the ground running, which requires Premier League experience, while also having a player who falls within their financial constraints.
For me, the main option comes in the form of Crystal Palace star Jean-Philippe Mateta. The 27-year-old striker is already proven in the Premier League after netting an impressive 14 goals in 37 appearances in 2024/25. He also doesn’t come with the same risk attached as Delap or Gyökeres.
27 – Since Oliver Glasner’s first Premier League game in charge of Crystal Palace, only Alexander Isak (32), Erling Haaland (31) and Mohamed Salah (30) have more Premier League goals than Jean-Philippe Mateta (27). Barclaysman. pic.twitter.com/zHwQmlUx69
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) April 23, 2025
The former is still learning his trade, and young strikers such as Joshua Zirkzee and Rasmus Højlund have failed to make the transition. Gyökeres will also not come cheap, while he has no previous experience in the Premier League.
Mateta has progressed into one of the best strikers in the Premier League this season, scoring 0.47 goals per 90. He has also scored a tally of 14 from an xG of just 13.25, which is a major plus given the shortage of chances that United have been able to create throughout 2024-25.
A deal could yet have complications, as Crystal Palace will be unwilling to sell one of their most important players, but the French international’s fee and wages will likely still be considerably lower than many of the top striking choices in world soccer.
