Manchester United are stepping up their efforts to sign a top-class striker as they look to fix their ongoing problems in front of goal ahead of next season. Reports indicate that the club is preparing for a significant shake-up in their attacking department after another disappointing campaign, particularly in terms of goalscoring.
So far this season, United have scored just 38 goals in 32 Premier League games. If this trend continues, they are on course to finish with only 45 goals—their lowest total in a Premier League season. This would be worse than the 49 goals scored during Louis van Gaal’s underwhelming 2015-16 campaign, which is currently their lowest tally in the competition’s history.
In response to these struggles, new sporting director Christopher Vivell has begun working behind the scenes to find a reliable No. 9. He was recently seen scouting Benjamin Šeško, the 21-year-old RB Leipzig striker, during a recent Bundesliga game against Wolfsburg. Šeško is believed to be one of United’s primary transfer targets this summer. The Slovenian forward has shown great promise, having scored 19 goals and provided six assists in 40 appearances this season for Leipzig. He also impressed in the Champions League, netting four times in eight matches.
Since making the switch from Red Bull Salzburg to Leipzig in 2023, Šeško has scored a total of 37 goals in 82 games. On the international stage, he has 41 appearances and 16 goals for Slovenia and played a key role in his country’s goalless draw against England at last year’s European Championship. There are reports suggesting that he has a gentleman’s agreement with Leipzig that would allow him to leave for £60 million in the summer, though the club may demand as much as £86 million due to widespread interest. Alongside United, clubs like Chelsea, Arsenal, Liverpool, Tottenham, and AC Milan are also monitoring him closely.
Meanwhile, United’s potential new manager, Rúben Amorim, is believed to be helping shape the club’s shortlist of strikers. According to Mail Sport, Liam Delap, currently on loan at Ipswich Town, has emerged as a major candidate. If Ipswich are relegated, United are expected to activate his £40 million release clause. Delap is now viewed as a more realistic option compared to other big names like Victor Osimhen, Victor Gyökeres, and Hugo Ekitike.
Wolves forward Matheus Cunha is another name on United’s radar, though there’s stiff competition for his signature from several Premier League sides, including Newcastle, Arsenal, and Aston Villa.
Current United strikers Rasmus Højlund and Joshua Zirkzee have scored just 14 goals combined this season, despite costing the club around £110 million. If United can’t afford their preferred targets outright, either of those forwards might be included in swap deals to lower transfer fees.
With a major overhaul clearly needed, this summer could prove critical in United’s attempt to finally secure a reliable and consistent goalscorer to lead the line and restore the club to former glory.
