Manchester United’s Search for a New Striker: Højlund’s Struggles, Gyökeres Drama, and Vlahovic Opportunity
Manchester United’s urgent hunt for a world-class striker continues to take new turns as they face some hard realities about their current options.
With Rasmus Højlund struggling to deliver, Viktor Gyökeres locked in a transfer standoff, and Dusan Vlahovic emerging as a sensible alternative, United’s striker dilemma is becoming clearer.
Rasmus Højlund: Running Out of Time
The 2024/25 season was underwhelming for Rasmus Højlund, as the young striker managed just 10 goals in all competitions, with only 4 of those coming in the Premier League.
While he hasn’t been excessively wasteful — missing just six clear-cut chances — his overall performance suggests a lack of confidence, rhythm, or sufficient support from his teammates.
TNT Sports commentator Darren Fletcher even labeled him “the most unlucky number nine” after his near-goal in the Europa League final, which was dramatically cleared off the line by Micky van de Ven.
Despite ending the previous campaign as United’s top scorer, Højlund has failed to build on that promise. The patience at Old Trafford seems to have worn thin.
Reports now suggest that a move back to Serie A, potentially to Inter Milan, could be on the cards, offering the 22-year-old a fresh start and the opportunity to play Champions League football once again.
Viktor Gyökeres: Complications in Lisbon
Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyökeres was once seen as a prime candidate to lead United’s attack.
His numbers last season were phenomenal: 54 goals and 13 assists.
However, despite his incredible form, Gyökeres seems unwilling to join a club without Champions League football. Making matters worse, negotiations with Sporting CP have become messy.
Although initially open to selling him for €70m (£59m), Sporting have since hesitated.
Arsenal remains the front-runner for his signature, while Juventus are also monitoring the situation closely.
Though United continue to observe developments, it’s looking less likely that a deal will materialize.
Manager Ruben Amorim is said to favor signing players genuinely committed to joining United, making Gyökeres’ uncertainty even more problematic.
Dusan Vlahovic: The Overlooked Gem
While Gyökeres remains the flashier name, Dusan Vlahovic has quietly emerged as a highly viable alternative.
Surprisingly, the Juventus striker could be available for just €30m (£26m), an absolute bargain in today’s inflated market.
Although his most recent season yielded a modest 10 league goals and 15 across all competitions, his overall record is impressive.
Since 2019, Vlahovic has netted 87 goals in Italy — 81 of those since the start of the 2020/21 campaign.
His agents have already made contact with United, expressing the Serbian’s desire to move to the Premier League.
While not at the top of Amorim’s current priority list, United’s leadership remains open to revisiting talks.
Comparing the Two Options
Vlahovic and Gyökeres share several similarities despite differences in form. Both are physical, powerful forwards who excel at creating chances from long range.
Gyökeres has developed a reputation for his explosive ball-striking, while Vlahovic is equally lethal from distance and has even scored multiple free-kicks recently.
Gyökeres stands at 6’2”, while the towering Vlahovic measures 6’4”, giving both a commanding presence up front.
While Gyökeres is right-footed, Vlahovic offers a rare left-footed option, adding diversity to United’s attacking options.
Why Vlahovic May Be the Smarter Signing
Unlike Højlund, who relies heavily on service from teammates, Vlahovic has consistently shown the ability to create and finish chances independently.
This self-sufficiency is something United desperately need, especially given their past struggles to properly supply their forwards.
Moreover, after gambling on relatively unproven Serie A talent like Højlund and Zirkzee, United may find comfort in Vlahovic’s sustained performance at the elite level.
His significantly lower transfer fee also frees up financial resources to strengthen other key positions in midfield or defense.
Although Gyökeres may be the more glamorous option due to his current form, Vlahovic offers immediate value, proven consistency, and fewer transfer complications.
Conclusion
Manchester United’s search for a new striker remains wide open. Gyökeres might be the headline-grabbing name, but with increasing complications and his Champions League preference, the pursuit risks turning into another drawn-out saga.
On the other hand, Vlahovic represents a far more straightforward and affordable solution.
If United fail to land Gyökeres, snapping up Vlahovic could prove to be a masterstroke — especially with his camp already eager to make the move happen.
