Manchester United’s struggles in front of goal this season highlight their urgent need for a clinical striker. The attacking duo of Rasmus Højlund and Joshua Zirkzee has failed to deliver consistently, making it clear that the club requires a more prolific forward.
Højlund, who arrived from Atalanta with high expectations, has only managed to score eight goals so far. His form has been inconsistent, and he recently ended a lengthy goal drought in the Premier League that lasted an astonishing 99 days. Despite showing glimpses of promise, the young Danish forward has not yet developed into the reliable goal-scorer United desperately need.
Zirkzee, another summer acquisition, has been even less effective in front of goal, having found the net just six times this season. While he is undoubtedly a talented player, his style of play is better suited to a deeper attacking role rather than leading the line as a traditional striker. This lack of a natural goal-scorer has often left United struggling to convert chances into goals, a problem that has significantly impacted their performances.
Recognizing this glaring issue, newly appointed manager Rúben Amorim has made signing a striker his top priority once the transfer window reopens. Amorim is well aware that without a proven goal-scorer, United’s attacking struggles will continue, making it difficult for the club to compete at the highest level.
One of the Portuguese coach’s initial targets was Viktor Gyökeres, a player he knows well from their time together at Sporting CP. The Swedish forward has been in outstanding form, showcasing his ability to score consistently and lead the attack effectively. Amorim had hoped to bring Gyökeres to Old Trafford as the solution to United’s striking woes, believing that his pace, strength, and finishing ability would add the much-needed firepower to the squad.
However, the chances of a reunion now seem slim, as Gyökeres is determined to play Champions League football next season. With Manchester United’s chances of securing a top-four finish looking increasingly uncertain, the Swedish striker appears unwilling to trade guaranteed participation in Europe’s premier competition for a project that may not offer the same level of ambition immediately.
With Gyökeres likely off the table, United will have to turn their attention elsewhere in the market to find the right striker. Amorim and the club’s recruitment team must identify an alternative who can deliver goals consistently and help the team return to its former glory. If they fail to address this issue, United’s struggles in attack may persist, making it even more challenging to compete with Europe’s elite clubs.
