Manchester United retain a gravitational pull that is difficult for players to resist and Ruben Amorim is now hoping to take advantage of one key element in their pursuit of a clinical striker, per a report.
Man Utd look forward to Ruben Amorim's first summer window
The Premier League picture has been pretty bleak at Manchester United this term, but they could still snatch a Champions League slot for 2025/26 should they overcome all remaining obstacles between them and the Europa League title.
While continental football could be a determining factor regarding their business, Amorim will already be some way down the road in the hunt for new reinforcements.
According to reports, Club Brugge star Ardon Jashari is on the Red Devils’ radar as a potential alternative to Kobbie Mainoo, who has been linked with a move away from Old Trafford.
Middle to front appear to be the main areas set to change, and Sunderland’s Chris Rigg is viewed as a priority signing for Manchester United despite further interest from Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur, Brighton & Hove Albion, Liverpool and Real Madrid.
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Of course, PSR regulations will have a big say in the level of business Amorim is able to conduct during the market period. INEOS aren’t going to be lavish in their spending either; there may need to be scope for some cheap deals to fill out the squad.
However, there will be room for one or two statement additions if reports are anything to go by, with Manchester United now set to pull on the heartstrings of one potential new recruit that is also attracting interest from Arsenal.
Man Utd could win race for £60m Red Devils fan Hugo Ekitike
According to The Mirror, Manchester United are in the mix to sign Eintracht Frankfurt star Hugo Ekitike and hold a potential vantage point over competitors Arsenal, Liverpool and Tottenham due to the fact the France Under-21 is a boyhood Red Devils supporter.
Valued at around £60 million, the talented forward could well be at the centre of a bidding war this summer, albeit it may be difficult for the Red Devils to stump up the cash needed for his signature without sales being made, the report claims. Elsewhere it is suggested that Arsenal have held early talks for Ekitike, although he supports Man Utd.
Labelled “one of the most in-form attackers in Europe” by prominent X personality Jacek Kulig, he has stepped into the void left by Omar Marmoush at Frankfurt and hasn’t looked back as they seek a place in the Champions League slots.
Hugo Ekitike key statistics in 2024/25 – Bundesliga
Goals
13
Expected Goals total
18.29
Shots
93
Shots on target
37
Chances created
36
Touches in opposition penalty area
159
Manchester United are in need of a spearhead in attack due to Rasmus Hojlund’s inconsistent nature and Joshua Zirkzee’s transition to a deeper role, and the fact they may hold an advantage in the race to sign Ekitike is exciting.
The task now for Amorim is to talk Ekitike into a move to Old Trafford, which shouldn’t be as difficult as first feared due to his lifelong admiration of the club. That doesn’t always translate to pen on paper, so there is plenty of work to be done before anything becomes official.
