Manchester United are undergoing a major revamp under the leadership of Ruben Amorim, and the attacking department is receiving particular focus.
After enduring a difficult season, Amorim is set on reshaping the frontline to restore United’s competitiveness.
His plans are already in motion, beginning with the acquisition of Matheus Cunha from Wolverhampton Wanderers for £62.5 million.
Talks are also progressing to bring Bryan Mbeumo on board, adding more firepower and creativity to the squad.
However, perhaps the most significant change could come at the centre-forward position, where Rasmus Højlund struggled throughout the 2024/25 season.
Despite arriving with high expectations, the Danish striker managed just four goals in 32 league appearances.
While he wasn’t especially wasteful—missing only six clear chances, according to Sofascore—his lack of goals has raised questions about his suitability for Amorim’s style.
Reports even suggest Højlund could be on his way back to Serie A, two years after his £72 million move from Atalanta.
Amid this uncertainty, Manchester United have set their sights on Hugo Ekitike.
According to reports from Spanish media, the club has now initiated contact with Eintracht Frankfurt regarding a possible transfer.
Ekitike is on the radar of several elite Premier League clubs, including Liverpool and Chelsea, but United appear keen to move ahead after their failed attempts to sign Viktor Gyökeres.
Frankfurt, however, are demanding a significant fee of €100 million (£84 million) for their prolific forward.
Ekitike’s appeal is clear. At just 22 years old, he has already established himself as one of Europe’s most promising young strikers.
He finished the 2024/25 season with an impressive tally of 22 goals and 12 assists in all competitions, proving himself as both a finisher and a creator.
Analysts have praised his potential, with Ben Mattinson calling him “one of the best strikers available” and journalist Graeme Bailey even comparing him to Kylian Mbappé.
From a statistical perspective, Ekitike far outperforms Højlund in nearly every attacking category.
Whether it’s goals (0.51 vs 0.30 per 90 minutes), assists (0.29 vs 0.06), or shot-creating actions (3.50 vs 2.07), the Frenchman’s numbers highlight his greater impact in the final third.
Additionally, he offers more in terms of progressive carries, take-ons, and overall attacking presence, which would better suit Amorim’s fluid and aggressive attacking system.
If United manage to land Ekitike and pair him with Cunha and Mbeumo, the team could field a revitalized and dynamic front three.
This trio would offer balance, mobility, and clinical edge—traits sorely missing from last season’s squad.
Given Ekitike’s talent, profile, and compatibility with Amorim’s tactical vision, he is quickly emerging as a top priority for Manchester United this summer.
