Manchester United have reportedly secured a verbal agreement with a highly-rated Premier League striker valued at £70 million ahead of the summer transfer window. This move highlights the club’s determination to strengthen their attacking options after a season marked by inconsistency in front of goal. Reports suggest that a jersey number has already been reserved for the incoming player, signaling that the deal is close to completion.
United’s attacking struggles have been evident throughout the season, with Rasmus Højlund showing promise but lacking adequate support. Marcus Rashford, Antony, and Anthony Martial have been inconsistent, while injuries and tactical issues have further hampered their effectiveness in the final third. The team’s inability to finish matches strongly has resulted in dropped points, making the acquisition of a top-quality striker a crucial priority for the club.
Among the possible candidates are Brentford’s Ivan Toney and Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins. Both players have established themselves as two of the Premier League’s most in-form strikers and fit the profile of a £70 million signing. Additionally, Napoli’s Victor Osimhen has been linked with a move to England, but his price tag may exceed United’s budget constraints.
Toney is a physically dominant forward known for his aerial ability and penalty-taking expertise. Since returning from suspension, he has been heavily rumored to be considering a move away from Brentford. Watkins, on the other hand, has been enjoying his best season with Aston Villa, demonstrating his pace, intelligence, and clinical finishing. Should United secure Champions League qualification, they could hold a significant advantage in convincing either of these strikers to join them at Old Trafford.
The arrival of a proven Premier League goal-scorer makes strategic sense for United. While Højlund is a promising talent, he is still developing, and having an experienced striker alongside him would help ease the goal-scoring burden. With Martial expected to leave and Rashford struggling for consistency, the squad lacks depth in attack. Reinforcing this department is essential for United to remain competitive in domestic and European competitions. Moreover, signing a high-profile striker would be a statement of ambition under new manager Rúben Amorim, potentially attracting further top talents to the club.
It has been reported that a specific jersey number has already been reserved for the incoming player. The No. 9 shirt, traditionally worn by legendary United strikers, is currently occupied by Martial, but it could become available if he departs. The No. 11 jersey is also an option, particularly if Mason Greenwood exits permanently. While the famous No. 7 shirt holds legendary status at the club, it is unlikely to be assigned to a striker.
Although the agreement is currently verbal, negotiations are expected to be finalized before the transfer window opens. United are keen to conclude the deal swiftly to avoid competition from rival clubs and to ensure the new signing has a full pre-season under Amorim. The next steps involve finalizing personal terms, completing a medical examination, and making an official announcement.
This news has sparked excitement among Manchester United supporters, with many expressing their anticipation on social media. Fans believe that acquiring a high-caliber striker could be the key to solving the team’s attacking problems and helping them compete for major trophies again. If the deal is completed as expected, it could be a pivotal moment in United’s quest to close the gap on their rivals and reestablish themselves as genuine title contenders.
In summary, Manchester United’s reported verbal agreement with a £70 million-rated striker is a bold move aimed at addressing their attacking deficiencies. The addition of a proven goal-scorer like Toney or Watkins would significantly strengthen their forward line. Toney’s physical presence and penalty prowess or Watkins’ pace and finishing ability would perfectly complement Højlund’s skill set.
With Martial’s expected departure and Rashford’s inconsistent form, this reinforcement is necessary to provide squad depth. The reserved jersey number, likely the No. 9 or No. 11, adds to the intrigue as fans speculate about the new arrival’s identity.
Under Amorim’s management, this signing reflects a clear vision and ambition to rebuild Manchester United into a title-challenging force. Securing the striker early in the window would not only boost the team’s prospects but also ensure that the player has ample time to integrate during pre-season. It is a crucial step that could reshape United’s attacking dynamics and improve their chances of competing for major honors once again.
