Manchester United are eager to reclaim their status as one of Europe’s elite clubs, having spent several seasons adrift from the top of English and continental football.
Despite a challenging 2024/25 campaign, new manager Rúben Amorim remains committed to rebuilding a squad capable of competing at the highest level.
A major step in that rebuild came with the £62.5 million acquisition of Matheus Cunha from Wolverhampton Wanderers.
While not a traditional centre-forward, Cunha brings mobility, technical flair, and intensity—qualities that will immediately enhance United’s attacking output. But the search for offensive reinforcements hasn’t ended with Cunha’s arrival.
Brentford winger Bryan Mbeumo is still high on the club’s wishlist, with INEOS reportedly pushing hard to secure his services.
However, speculation around Rasmus Højlund’s future has cooled, suggesting the young Danish striker may remain at Old Trafford after all.
If that’s the case, the urgency for a classic number nine is reduced, though United still need added depth and quality in attack.
In that vein, reports from Spain suggest United are now pursuing Chelsea’s Christopher Nkunku.
The French international, who joined the Blues from RB Leipzig for £52 million in 2023, has endured an injury-ridden spell in west London and has failed to consistently feature, starting only 11 Premier League matches so far.
Nonetheless, his talent is not in question, and United reportedly believe a £35 million deal could represent real value.
Nkunku’s versatility is one of the major draws. He’s capable of playing as a second striker, attacking midfielder, or even wide on the left, giving Amorim tactical flexibility to shift between formations like 4-3-3 and 3-4-3 without needing multiple changes in personnel.
His dribbling, link-up play, and intelligent pressing make him a strong fit for Amorim’s system—especially when paired with Cunha and young midfielder Kobbie Mainoo in transitional phases.
However, the move isn’t without risks. Nkunku has struggled with fitness, suffering from knee and hamstring injuries that limited him to around 1,000 league minutes in his debut season. He also found it difficult to adapt to Enzo Maresca’s tactical setup at Chelsea.
Moreover, his preferred playing areas could overlap with those of Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford—two players already under scrutiny amid potential exits.
Financially, Nkunku’s reported £150k per week wages could be seen as steep for a player viewed as a “reclamation project.” However, if United’s medical team is confident in his recovery, the upside is considerable.
At his best—like in the 2021–22 Bundesliga season where he posted 35 goal contributions in 34 games—Nkunku was one of the most dangerous and versatile forwards in Europe.
If the deal goes through, it’s likely to spark movement within the squad. Rashford could be sold or shifted permanently to the left wing, while two of Antony, Sancho, or Greenwood may have to depart.
Bruno Fernandes might be deployed in a deeper role, allowing Nkunku to operate in the attacking third alongside Cunha in a dynamic, interchanging setup.
Ultimately, this potential signing represents a high-upside, medium-risk gamble. Should Amorim be able to rediscover the Leipzig-era Nkunku, United could finally boast the kind of fluid, creative, and threatening front line that’s eluded them for years.
If not, they risk adding another injury-prone name to a squad already searching for consistency.
