Manchester United’s struggles in front of goal this season highlight their urgent need for a clinical striker. A closer examination of the performances of Rasmus Højlund and Joshua Zirkzee further underlines this issue, as neither player has delivered the level of output expected from a leading forward at a top club.
Højlund, who arrived from Atalanta with high expectations, has only managed to score eight goals so far. His form in the Premier League has been particularly concerning, with the young Danish forward enduring a prolonged goal drought that lasted 99 days before he finally found the back of the net again. Although he has shown flashes of his potential, inconsistency has plagued his performances, making it clear that United cannot solely rely on him for goals.
Meanwhile, Zirkzee, who joined in the summer, has been even less prolific, registering just six goals this season. The Dutch forward has proven to be more comfortable operating in an attacking midfield role rather than as a traditional number nine. While his technical ability and link-up play have been valuable, his lack of a natural goalscoring instinct has further emphasized the club’s need for a reliable finisher.
Recognizing this issue, Manchester United’s new manager, Rúben Amorim, has made the acquisition of a high-quality striker a top priority in the upcoming transfer window. He is well aware that without a consistent goal threat, United will continue to struggle in key matches. One of his preferred targets was Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyökeres, a player he knows well from their time together in Portugal. The Swedish international has been in exceptional form, making him an ideal candidate to lead United’s attacking line.
However, Gyökeres is reportedly determined to play in the UEFA Champions League next season. Given Manchester United’s inconsistent performances in the current campaign, securing a top-four finish in the Premier League is far from guaranteed. If the club fails to qualify for Europe’s elite competition, convincing the prolific Swede to make the move to Old Trafford will be significantly more challenging.
With this in mind, Amorim and the United hierarchy may need to explore alternative options to strengthen their attack. A lack of firepower has been one of the key factors behind United’s underwhelming season, and if they are to return to their former glory, securing a ruthless goalscorer will be essential. Finding the right striker could be the difference between another disappointing campaign and a return to title contention.
