The forward line at Manchester United has massively disappointed throughout 2024/25, undoubtedly having an impact on their lowly Premier League standing.
Ruben Amorim’s team have only managed to find the net on 42 occasions within their 35 league outings – an average of just 1.2 per game, with numerous players failing to deliver.
Joshua Zirkzee and Rasmus Hojlund have been the two senior forward options throughout the campaign, but have largely struggled in the final third, netting just seven league goals between them.
Such form has allowed youngster Chido Obi to emerge into the first-team squad at just 17, becoming the youngest United starter in the Premier League after his appearance from the off against Brentford on Sunday.
However, if they are to get anywhere near their former glory next season, it’s crucial the board back Amorim and hand him the funds to allow him to make themselves changes he desires.
The latest on United’s hunt to sign new attackers
A new striker needs to be high up on the club’s list this summer, with the hierarchy evidently wasting no time after entering talks to land Nigerian talisman Victor Osimhen.
The 26-year-old, who’s spending the year on loan at Galatasaray from Napoli, appears to be of interest to the club after scoring 24 times in 27 league appearances.
However, the striker isn’t the only forward on their radar, with Sporting CP winger Francisco Trincao firmly on their radar ahead of the summer, according to CaughtOffside.
The report states that manager Amorim is leading the charge to the 25-year-old’s signature after previously managing the attacker during his time in charge of the Liga Portugal outfit.
It also claims that the boss has personally requested the board to land the Portuguese international who’s said to be available during this window for a fee in the region of £34m.
Why United’s £34m target could be Amorim’s next Amad
Ivorian Amad Diallo has been a key player for United throughout this campaign, registering 17 combined goals and assists across all competitions.
However, his progress has been massively halted over the last three months, only returning to action in recent weeks after his extended lay-off, but he has already showcased his quality.
The 22-year-old scored off the bench in the defeat to Brentford last weekend, but his return to full fitness could hand the Red Devils a mammoth boost in their Europa League triumph hopes.
Regardless of who’s signed this summer, Amad will remain a key member of the side, undoubtedly playing a crucial role in any success they could achieve in the manager’s first full campaign in charge.
However, Amorim could land his new version of the Ivorian in the form of Trincao, who possesses very similar attributes, given their ability to cut inside onto their favoured left foot off the right-hand side.
They can also both feature in a wing-back role if needed, with the Sporting ace massively outperforming the current United star when delving into their respective figures from this season.
Trincao, who’s been labelled “world-class” by journalist Rafael Hernandez, has notched more combined goals and assists, highlighting the threat he poses in attacking areas.
Games played
32
23
Goals & assists
22
13
Shots taken
3.3
2.3
Shot-creating actions
5.1
4.5
Progressive passes
4.9
3
Passes into final third
3.1
1.3
Take-ons completed
2.3
2
Aerials won
40%
37%
He’s also completed more progressive passes and completed more take-ons per 90, having all of the tools to hand other attackers the chance to increase their own tallies in the final third.
The former Barcelona ace has also managed to take more shots per 90, whilst also winning more aerials, certainly handing Amorim an all-round presence to transform his attack in 2025/26.
£34m in today’s market is an excellent price for a player who’s proven his quality, producing countless stats that are well above those of current star Amad.
Depth is also just as important to the first-team squad next season, handing the manager the opportunity to rotate his side and have the best possible chance of success in multiple competitions.
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