Manchester United may have lit up the transfer market with their high-profile captures of Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha, but a storm brews quietly beneath the surface at Old Trafford.
Despite spending over £120 million on firepower, the glaring issue remains: who leads the line?
New manager Rúben Amorim has been quick to reshape United’s attack, anchoring his side in a 3‑4‑2‑1 system that relies heavily on fluid movement and tactical intelligence. Mbeumo and Cunha fit the mold perfectly—dynamic, intelligent, and devastating between the lines. But neither is an out-and-out striker.
Mbeumo: A Sharpshooter with a Proven Resume
Bryan Mbeumo’s arrival from Brentford is a move packed with promise. The Cameroonian forward bagged 20 goals and 7 assists last season, placing him among the Premier League elite behind only Haaland, Salah, and Isak. His ability to outperform expected goals, glide past defenders, and press with intensity makes him a tactical gem.
Former striker Chris Sutton called Mbeumo “a no-brainer for any top-six team,” praising his balance between possession play and final-third incision. Meanwhile, Gary Neville lauded the pace and verticality Mbeumo and Cunha bring to a side often accused of slow, uninspired football.
The Catch? No True No. 9
The elephant in the dressing room is still stomping around: United don’t have a natural striker leading their charge. Rasmus Højlund and Joshua Zirkzee, both young and inconsistent, managed just seven league goals combined last season. Not nearly enough for a club with title ambitions.
Mbeumo and Cunha are creators and finishers—but only in support roles. As things stand, Amorim has two attacking midfielders masquerading as forwards and a striker pool that can’t carry the weight of a 50-game season.
The Search Continues…
Names continue to swirl around the rumour mill. Sporting’s Viktor Gyökeres has emerged as a top target, while Everton’s Dominic Calvert‑Lewin and even Napoli’s Victor Osimhen remain on United’s radar—though finances may complicate any deal. Some voices within the club suggest a more experienced but cheaper striker could serve as a stopgap.
Paul Scholes didn’t mince words: “Mbeumo’s a great signing, but it doesn’t fix the core issue. If we don’t get a proper No. 9, we’re back to square one.”
Amorim’s Puzzle: Fit or Friction?
Amorim’s system is tailored for runners, creators, and pressing units—but it needs a focal point.
Does he trust Højlund to evolve? Or does he press the board for a proven predator up front?
United’s current squad is bursting with talent, but it might be missing the one man who turns a strong side into title contenders.
Summary Snapshot
| Key Concern | Analysis |
|---|---|
| Mbeumo’s Impact | Premier League-proven; a dangerous No. 10 option |
| Striker Gap | No true centre-forward currently in the squad |
| Højlund/Zirkzee Form | Seven goals combined in 2024/25; disappointing |
| Transfer Wishlist | Gyökeres, Osimhen, and Calvert‑Lewin considered |
| Tactical Dilemma | United must choose: reinforce or take a gamble |
