Manchester United’s search for fresh attacking firepower has become one of the club’s major focuses this transfer window.
Following a disappointing 2024/25 campaign that saw the club score just 44 goals in the Premier League, the pressure is on the new-look management under Ruben Amorim to bring in reinforcements capable of leading the line and boosting United’s threat in the final third.
The club has already moved decisively in some areas, having secured the signing of Matheus Cunha from Wolves for a significant fee of £62.5 million.
The Brazilian forward is expected to bring pace, flair, and clinical finishing to the attack. Yet, he may not be the only new face up front.
United have also shown strong interest in Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo. The Cameroonian winger has reportedly been on their radar for weeks, with multiple bids submitted for his services.
Mbeumo himself is said to be keen on joining Amorim’s project at Old Trafford, but Brentford are holding firm on their valuation and won’t let him go unless their asking price is met.
While these negotiations continue, Manchester United are actively exploring other options to enhance their forward depth.
With several big names like Dušan Vlahović, Victor Osimhen, and Moise Kean being linked to the club, fans have been hoping for a marquee signing to change the club’s fortunes.
However, none of those targets have materialized into concrete deals yet.
Instead, a surprising new name has emerged in recent days — Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who is currently a free agent after parting ways with Everton.
According to The Sun, United have already reached out to his representatives and Amorim is believed to be open to a move, seeing potential in the striker’s profile.
However, this potential deal has raised serious concerns among fans and analysts.
The 28-year-old striker’s profile and recent form draw uncomfortable parallels with Wout Weghorst, who joined United on loan in the 2022/23 season.
Despite making 31 appearances, Weghorst managed just two goals and failed to convince supporters of his value to the team.
Calvert-Lewin, once tipped for greatness and even compared to Cristiano Ronaldo by former teammate Richarlison, has struggled to reach those heights in recent seasons.
His best campaign came in 2020/21 when he scored 21 goals across all competitions, but since then, recurring injuries and inconsistency have plagued his career.
Over the last four seasons, he has scored just 18 goals and has only once made more than 30 appearances in a single campaign.
Financially, the move also raises questions. Calvert-Lewin reportedly earned around £100,000 per week at Everton, and similar wage demands could make him a costly gamble for a player whose prime years may be behind him.
Given Manchester United’s ambitions to climb the table and re-establish themselves as title challengers, signing Calvert-Lewin appears to be a step in the wrong direction.
The club cannot afford to repeat the mistakes of the past by investing in players with limited upside and concerning injury records.
If anything, this potential move looks like another version of the Weghorst experiment — and one United should avoid at all costs.
