Manchester United’s search for a striker is well underway with another option for Ruben Amorim emerging this week.
With Matheus Cunha in the door and with Bryan Mbeumo close behind him, United have strengthened their attack with two players who hit 35 Premier League goals between them last season.
But for a side who scored a measly 44 goals in 38 games last season with only Everton, Leicester City, Ipswich Town and Southampton scoring less, more reinforcements are needed.
Rasmus Hojlund wretched second season at Old Trafford could spark a move away in the coming weeks with the Dane agreeing to a move to Inter Milan if a deal can be struck between the two clubs.
United missed out on their first choice target Liam Delap who was drawn to Chelsea with Champions League football back on the menu at Stamford Bridge next season.
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Benjamin Sesko has also been on their radar but the Slovenian is now in talks to seal a move to Arsenal as their seek to solve their own well-documented issues up front.
Developments with Sesko and Delap leave one of the summer transfer window’s main players in a bit of limbo.
Viktor Gyokeres, the man Amorim is desperate to be reunited with in Manchester, will leave Sporting CP this summer but with Arsenal and Chelsea looking elsewhere, United now may be his last remaining Premier League option despite no European football next season.
The biggest obstacle will be the fee with Sporting expecting to bank £58million for their prized asset.
A cheaper alternative emerged this week. In the wake of Paris Saint-Germain’s Champions League triumph, Goncalo Ramos was offered to United by intermediaries.
The Portugal international, who broke onto the scene with that stunning hat-trick in the 2022 World Cup against Switzerland, has never really imposed himself on the first-team in the French capital, playing a bit-part role under Luis Enrique since joining the club two years ago.
United were among the sides vying for his signature in that summer of 2023 before landing on Hojlund.
The striker had just finished the season with Benfica with a haul of 27 goals in all competitions with Bruno Fernandes not hiding how much he rated his young countryman.
While on international duty in June 2023, Fernandes gushed over Ramos’ ability and potential, believing him to an ideal fit for the Premier League, capable of becoming ‘one of the best strikers in the world.’
Fernandes noted Ramos’ intensity and pressing ability as some of his key qualities that could make him a success at United – comments that might resonate further now given Amorim’s set-up that calls for a hard-working no9.
‘I think he has all the qualities to play in the Premier League, and when I say Premier League I also mean Manchester United,’ Fernandes said.
‘I think he could become a great reference in the coming years, but it’s still not in my hands to be sports director.’
He continued: ‘Gonçalo has all the conditions to play in the Premier League, he is very intense, presses very well and is very good inside the area.
‘He surprised me in the national team, not only me but the rest of my teammates.
‘He’s physically strong, he’s still young and he’s going to get better.
‘If he continues to work as he has been doing, I think he has the potential to be one of the best strikers in the world, but he needs to go to a more competitive league to prove it.’
Fernandes was right about another young Portugal star
Fernandes has form for heaping praise on his young compatriots with Joao Neves receiving similar treatment.
The midfielder enjoyed a breakout campaign at Benfica during the 2023-24 season, effortlessly stepping in to replace Enzo Fernandez following his move to Chelsea.
Later that year, despite interest from United, PSG won the race for his signature. Neves is now a Champions League winner, a vital component in perhaps the best midfield in the world and undoubtedly one of the game’s best young talents.
‘I don’t know if United rumours are true, but I know he is ready for that big jump,’ said Fernandes.
‘He is an excellent player, he’s with the National team. That’s also why the big clubs are after him.’
Fernandes was right on the money with his assessment of Neves – could Ramos be another?