Manchester United’s quest to return to their former glory has reached an all-time low in 2024/25, with the club registering their lowest ever Premier League finish.
The Red Devils only managed to pick up a total of 42 points from their 38 outings, also their lowest since the division’s formation in 1992, highlighting the work needed this summer.
Ruben Amorim is the latest manager tasked with the responsibility of winning the league, after numerous other candidates tried and failed to end their now 14-year drought.
Sir Alex Ferguson was the last person to lift such a trophy at Old Trafford, with millions upon millions of pounds wasted on players who are evidently not at the level required for success in England’s top flight.
The current transfer window is an opportunity to learn from their mistakes in the past and secure top-level talents who can contribute positively to their end goal of once again being a force to be reckoned with.
The latest on United’s hunt for a new striker this summer
Juventus star Dušan Vlahović has emerged as a surprise option for United this summer, with work already being done behind the scenes to complete a deal for the Serbian international.
He’s not the only one, with Crystal Palace star Jean-Philippe Mateta another player on their shortlist after he scored 17 times this campaign and led the Eagles to an FA Cup triumph.
However, despite the interest in the aforementioned talents, progress has been made on a deal to land Eintracht Frankfurt talisman Hugo Ekitiké, according to one Spanish outlet.
They claim that talks have already been held with the Frenchman’s representatives over a move to Old Trafford, with a bid expected for his services in the coming days.
It also states that the hierarchy see the 22-year-old as a priority addition this summer, unsurprisingly so given his tally of 22 goals and 12 assists across all competitions this campaign.
One obstacle is likely to be the player’s asking price, reportedly valued at around £85m.
Why United’s latest target would be a better signing than Gyokeres
Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyokeres is another striker who’s been firmly on United’s radar over the last couple of months, with the Swede undoubtedly one of Europe’s hottest prospects at present.
The 27-year-old has caught the eye with his bonkers goalscoring record, notching 54 goals in just 52 appearances across all competitions throughout the 2024/25 season.
Such form, coupled with his previous stint under Amorim, has seen him hugely linked with a move to Old Trafford, but concerns have been raised over his ability to replicate such form in the Premier League.
However, it appears as though the club could be set to miss out on his signature completely, with the talisman personally wanting a move to rivals Arsenal instead this window.
Such a decision will undoubtedly be a blow to the Red Devils’ ambitions within the market, but they shouldn’t worry, with fellow target Ekitike arguably a better addition.
The youngster has already proven his talents in one of Europe’s top five leagues, as seen by his tally of goals this campaign, demonstrating he’s more than capable of carrying such form over to England with him.
Whilst he’s been outscored by Gyokeres, he’s managed to better him in numerous key areas that are vital for a top-level striker, highlighting why he’d be a more effective option for Amorim.
Games played
33
33
Goals scored
15
39
Goals per shot on target
0.4
0.3
Pass accuracy
75%
71%
Passes into final third
0.8
0.5
Take-on success
47%
45%
Carries into final third
2
1.3
Aerials won
1.8
1.1
Ekitike, who’s been described as the “next Mbappe” by journalist Graeme Bailey, has produced a better goal per shot on target rate, proving that he’s more effective with the opportunities that fall his way in front of goal.
His all-round play is also more impressive than the Swede’s, completing more passes and winning more aerial battles per 90, having the ability to link up with players around him and provide the side with a focal point should they need to be direct.
The French star has also shown evidence that he can produce chances out of nothing, registering more carries into the final third per 90 and completing more of the take-ons he’s attempted, subsequently not relying on others around him to hand him an effort at goal.
There’s no denying that both options would massively bolster the attacking unit at Amorim’s disposal, but given the stats produced and the difference in age, there’s no doubt that Ekitike is the more attractive prospect.
If he can replicate such success at Old Trafford, he would certainly become a fan-favourite, potentially playing a huge role in their ambitions of ending their unthinkable wait for a title triumph in the years to come.
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