No Goals, Many Problems – 5 Instant Solutions For Manchester United

Manchester United have a daunting problem in front of them and it seems like an alarming time that the Red Devils address the elephant in the room – the striker problem.

It is no secret that the striker shoes have not been filled at Old Trafford for a couple of years now – with the goal difference in the last two seasons in the Premier League being -1 (2023/24) and -10 (2024/25) respectively.

Often times the team has had to rely on unlikely heroes to come up with the goals with the team’s number 9 not being able to deliver the goods. We at Essential Football have identified 5 potential targets that would be an ideal fit at Old Trafford to deafen the noise of the unpleased faithful –

Samu Aghehowa

The fast and agile Samu Aghehowa currently plays for FC Porto and earned a reputation for himself with 18 goals in 29 appearances. The lanky Spaniard commands aerial presence and could be a part of plans at Old Trafford for the long run if Manchester United do take the decision to chase Samu’s high release clause which is reported to be €100 million.

In the past fellow Premier League rivals, Chelsea and La Liga behemoths Barcelona were linked with a move for the attacker but nothing seems to have materialized thus far. One of the possible hurdles that Amorim and his negotiating party could face would be the complex ownership structure of the player (Owned partly by Porto and Atletico Madrid).

Hugo Ekitike

The 23 Year Old forward has earned himself a reputation with high work rate, effective pressing and inspiring figures in front of goal with 15 goals to his credit in just over 30 matches.

Hugo Ekitike has been in the radar of several Premier League clubs and Manchester United could be keen on hijacking the transfer from their sworn rivals, Liverpool. Newcastle United have also been linked with the forward.

Jamie Vardy

The Premier League winner is currently available as a free agent after Leicester City faced relegation at the end of last season. Vardy is a proven Premier League poacher and will set Old Trafford on fire with his runs behind the defenders.

Despite Vardy’s age not being on his side, United in the past have relied on short term options in Cristiano Ronaldo and Edinson Cavani to bring in the goals. With over 200 Premier League goals, Vardy offers a lot to a dull looking United attack.

Viktor Gyokeres

Another prospect from the Portuguese league that can fill the Number 9 void at Old Trafford.

Viktor currently plays for Sporting CP and has been heavily linked with a move to Emirates Stadium, United might be tempted for a transfer battle for the free scoring Swedish striker.

Victor Osimhen

Despite the high praise and eyeballs from top European clubs including Chelsea and Liverpool, Victor has seemingly settled down in Galatasaray in Turkey with a permanent move sealed this summer. Manchester United should not lose hopes and can start laying the foundations for a surprising move early this winter window or in the coming transfer window. Victor’s refusal to move to the Saudi Pro League and continue to ply his trade in Europe – should be taken as a positive from the Red Devils.

With Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha already signed adding one of the above would give United a much stronger look to their attack when you add them to the likes of Amad, Mason Mount and captain Bruno Fernandes.