Manchester United have a huge task this summer to change their fortunes and avoid a repeat of the 2024/25 Premier League season, which currently sees them occupy a place in the bottom half.
Ruben Amorim’s appointment back in November was seen as a decision to save their campaign, but he’s been unable to transform the situation with just five games remaining.
It’s evident that new additions and first-team sales are needed to hand the manager the best chance of making amends and potentially taking them closer to the top four once again.
With the summer window around the corner, it would be a surprise to no one that the foundations are already being laid ahead of a crucial off-season that could define the 40-year-old’s period in charge.
One position is in desperate need of attention, given the lack of quality in such a department, with moves already being explored for numerous targets.
The latest on United’s pursuit of a new striker
Whilst Matheus Cunha is the player on everyone’s lips after expressing his desire to move to Old Trafford this summer, he’s not the only target linked with a move.
Nigerian forward Victor Osimhen has also emerged on their shortlist in recent days, with the 26-year-old expected to depart Napoli after spending the year on loan at Galatasaray.
However, David Ornstein confirmed yesterday that he’s now off the club’s radar ahead of the summer, with Amorim and the board pursuing other potential targets.
Such a decision could lead to a move for Atalanta striker Mateo Retegui, who’s set Serie A alight this season, registering 23 league goals in his 31 appearances to date.
According to TuttoAtalanta, the Red Devils have already made concrete steps to start talks over a potential move for his signature during the summer window.
Indeed, contact has been established between the Red Devils and the player’s agents to ascertain whether a move would be possible this summer.
It won’t be too costly a move either, with previous reports suggesting Atalanta have set an asking price of around £50m.
Why United’s latest target would be better than Osimhen
There’s no denying that United need reinforcements at the top end of the pitch ahead of 2025/26, with the options currently at the club simply not at the level required to succeed.
Joshua Zirkzee and Rasmus Hojlund have often shared the responsibility as the side’s focal point, but have only registered a combined tally of six league goals between them this campaign.
The latter even went 21 games without a goal in all competitions during the winter months, highlighting the need for investment over the summer – with Retegui certainly a better option than Osimhen for the Red Devils.
When comparing the Italian’s stats with those of the Nigerian, he’s massively outperformed him in numerous key areas, finally offering the club that clinical box striker they’ve greatly craved in recent months.
Retegui, who is said to possess a “thunderous strike” by analyst Ben Mattinson, has managed to outscore Osimhen in their respective leagues, whilst also achieving a higher goal per 90 rate – showcasing his clinical nature within the final third.
Games played
31
25
Goals scored
23
21
Goals per 90
1.05
0.90
Goals per shot on target
0.7
0.3
Pass accuracy
78%
66%
Chances created
1.4
1.2
Times caught offside
0.2
1.3
He’s also completed more of the passes he’s attempted to date, creating more chances per 90 – having the ability to provide opportunities for those around him, making him the perfect all-round number nine in Amorim’s system.
He may not be the glamorous name that the supporters were expecting this summer, but from the stats produced, it’s evident that the 25-year-old has all the tools to be a hit in Manchester should he move.
Whilst it’s unclear how much a deal for Retegui would set the hierarchy back, it’s a move that would hand the manager the ammunition he’s desperately craved since his arrival in November.
If the side are to progress and make the huge jump back towards the summit of the division in 2025/26, a new talisman simply has to be on the agenda, with the Atalanta star needing to be their main target ahead of the upcoming window.
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