Manchester United still have work to do in the summer transfer window but it seems the ambitions of Enzo Maresca’s Chelsea could determine what they do next
Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca(Image: Nicolò Campo/LightRocket via Getty Images)
Manchester United’s summer transfer window is more than halfway through and still key investments need to be made.
Last week, Ruben Amorim was relatively nonchalant when asked if he would like to add a centre-forward to his team before the big kick off against Arsenal on August 17. “They [Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha] can play as a striker,” he told his press conference.
“We have Josh [Zirkzee], we have Rasmus [Hojlund], so our focus is to improve the connection between them. I don’t know if the positions are there for them. They have to work.
“I think our club in the moment, we need to be really careful when we sign a player. So if we have to start the season with this squad, I’m happy.”
Despite Amorim’s gracious attempt to bat away speculation surrounding the signing of a centre-forward, there is surely a part of him who dreams for a new striker to join. While Mbeumo and Cunha can both play as the lone striker, the duo would perhaps be better suited to playing deeper in the No.10 roles.
Beyond Zirkzee and Hojlund there is Chido Obi who could start up front but at such a young age, it is doubtful that Amorim would wish to chuck him into the fold with the pressure of being the talisman. As the United boss mentioned, the Reds have to be careful with their spending and ultimately it will be a case of player sales funding a move for a striker.
On that front, Marcus Rashford has already left on loan while Antony and Jadon Sancho currently seem stuck without suitors that United were hoping for. This leaves just one asset left who could change the complexion of United’s summer transfer window.
Alejandro Garnacho wants to leave United and that must have been music to the ears of Amorim. The Argentine does not fit into the system and his immature outbursts at the end of last season ruined all hope of reconciliation.
Alejandro Garnacho’s last appearance for Manchester United may have come in their post-season tour of Asia
He is also one of the few players who could demand a significant fee as there is undoubtedly a player in there who is itching to come out. The problem is that Garnacho wants to stay in the Premier League which significantly narrows the market for him.
Fortunately, Chelsea could come to the rescue. Despite concerns their pursuit of Xavi Simons could scupper a move for Garnacho, The Telegraph reports that is not necessarily the case with the Blues looking at potentially bringing in the United man to battle on the left with Jamie Gittens.
If this is the case, United could bag themselves a hefty pure profit deal having bought Garnacho for a nominal fee. With that money, Amorim could be allowed to go into the market and spend for a striker with the likes of Randal Kolo Muani, Ollie Watkins, Benjamin Sesko and Dusan Vlahovic all plausible targets once the Garnacho cash clears.
Sadly for United, they are having to play reactively now as they await what others do before making their move. This isn’t ideal but Chelsea could save the Reds’ summer.
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