Manchester United are actively working on their summer transfer business, with Ruben Amorim facing the significant challenge of improving the team`s performance at Old Trafford.
The 2024/25 season was poor for the Red Devils, highlighted by their low Premier League finish, only narrowly avoiding the relegation places.
Weaknesses were evident in both attack and defence, with a noticeable lack of high-quality players in these areas, reflected in the number of goals scored and conceded.
Nevertheless, the manager has the chance to make desired squad changes, requiring financial backing from the club`s leadership to strengthen the team.
With the transfer window still open for a few months, Amorim has ample time to plan his signings, as numerous players are still being considered.
Update on United`s Striker Search
Having scored only 44 Premier League goals last season, the need for a prolific forward at United is clear, and Amorim has already been active in the market.
Viktor Gyokeres and Victor Osimhen are two forwards who have been heavily linked with United this window, which is understandable considering their impressive goal tallies of 54 and 37 respectively in all competitions during the 2024/25 season.
However, Chelsea player Christopher Nkunku has emerged as another potential target, possibly due to his limited playing time at Stamford Bridge.
According to a report from The Athletic, United have held ongoing discussions with Chelsea regarding a transfer for the French international, who made only nine league starts last season.
The report also suggests a potential swap deal involving winger Alejandro Garnacho moving to Chelsea, as the Argentine is expected to leave United this summer.
If a direct transfer fee is required, previous reports indicate Chelsea value him at approximately £59m.
Why Nkunku Could Be the Ideal Watkins Alternative
Ollie Watkins is another player linked with a move to United this summer, with recent reports suggesting their interest has intensified.
Reports indicate United have contacted Aston Villa about signing the 29-year-old, who contributed a combined 31 goals and assists last season.
Aston Villa might be willing to sell the England international this window to improve their financial fair play situation, which would provide Amorim with another attacking option.
However, signing Watkins could be expensive, especially after Arsenal`s £50m bid was rejected in the January window.
Consequently, United might focus on Nkunku. Although his Chelsea form has been inconsistent, he was described as `unstoppable` by European football expert Zach Lowy during his time at RB Leipzig, where he scored 23 goals in his final season in Germany.
Comparing their Premier League stats from last season, Nkunku appears to outperform Watkins in several key metrics, suggesting he could be a valuable acquisition.
While Nkunku scored fewer goals, his higher shot accuracy rate could offer Amorim the clinical finishing needed in attack.
| How Nkunku compares to Watkins in the PL (2024/25) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Statistics (per 90) | Nkunku | Watkins |
| Games played | 27 | 38 |
| Goals scored | 3 | 16 |
| Shot on target accuracy | 44% | 43% |
| Progressive passes | 2.5 | 1.1 |
| Pass accuracy | 90% | 72% |
| Key passes | 1.4 | 0.8 |
| Take-on success | 37% | 24% |
| Carries into final third | 1.6 | 0.7 |
| Aerials won | 43% | 42% |
He also excels in link-up play, completing more passes and key passes per 90 minutes, which allows him to create opportunities for teammates and provide a crucial focal point for the team.
The Frenchman`s effectiveness across various aspects of play, including successful take-ons and aerial duels won, suggests he could be a valuable asset, potentially playing as a forward (`nine`) or in a more withdrawn role (`ten`) in Amorim’s preferred system.
While the exact transfer fee for the Chelsea player remains uncertain, it seems clear that the former RB Leipzig forward could be a superior option compared to Watkins.
While the Aston Villa star is undoubtedly a capable player, Nkunku has demonstrated a more complete skillset that could potentially elevate United`s performance significantly in the future.
