Having scored just 44 goals in last season’s Premier League, Manchester United are understandably in the market for a striker this summer.
Whilst the search goes on, one thing that seemingly is known is that Ruben Amorim seemingly won’t be linking back up with Victor Gyokeres, who he brought in for an extremely successful spell at Sporting Lisbon.
As has become familiar to Manchester United fans over recent years, the club find themselves working down a list of potential options with their pursuit of their main target unsuccessful.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Gyokeres only wants Arsenal. So with Amorim sent back to the drawing board, here are five other options who could offer a solution to the striker problem.
Potential alternatives to Viktor Gyokeres for Man Utd
Jean-Philippe Mateta
With 30 goals across the last two Premier League seasons, Jean-Philippe Mateta has established himself as one of the division’s most formidable strikers.
Since joining Crystal Palace in January 2021, initially on loan, he has slowly but surely established himself as one of his side’s key players.
One key similarity between Mateta and Gyokeres is their similarity in age. At 27 and 28 respectively, they both offer a ready-made solution for Amorim, unlikely to require much development.
Paying a Premier League premium for a player in their late 20s would be slightly out of character for the club’s current management – but sometimes in football, you get what you pay for.
Nicolas Jackson
Despite being trusted with a large share of domestic minutes last season at Chelsea, Nicolas Jackson may now be set to depart Stamford Bridge.
Managing 24 Premier League goals in two seasons is respectable, but the 24-year-old could fall victim to the London club’s aggressive player trading approach.
A polarising striker with clear qualities but clear flaws, the Senegal striker wouldn’t come cheap, contracted until 2033 at a direct Big Six rival.
But with two full seasons in England under his belt, Jackson could offer United an upgrade on what they have, with room to improve further.
Dusan Vlahovic
Arsenal may now be set to beat United to the signature of Gyokeres, but if they completed the signing of Dusan Vlahovic in January 2022, things may have been very different.
Juventus paid an exceptionally high fee to bring the Serbian international from fellow Serie A side Fiorentina, but may now look to sell three-and-a-half years on.
The 6 ft 3 striker offers a lot of similar qualities to Gyokeres but had a comparatively difficult 2024-25 season, leading to his potential availability.
However, aged just 25, the Premier League could suit Vlahovic’s play style, should Amorim turn to him next.
Ollie Watkins
Another established Premier League option, Ollie Watkins ironically found himself in direct competition with Marcus Rashford in the second half of last season at Aston Villa.
Since Unai Emery’s arrival at Villa Park, Watkins has put up elite goalscoring numbers, additionally adding the Champions League to his CV last campaign.
Despite featuring in every league match for the club this season, Watkins could be on the market this summer due to PSR considerations, creating a possible opportunity for United.
Turning 30 this year, however, the England international is likely to think carefully before making his next move, whilst his age will throw up similar question marks to Mateta.
Benjamin Sesko
Arsenal’s reported pursuit of Benjamin Sesko was potentially the reason why United were in the race for Gyokeres – but as it happens, the Gunners have seemingly opted for the latter.
Should Sesko still move on from RB Leipzig this summer, therefore, it would make sense for United to ramp up their reported interest in the 22-year-old.
Standing at six feet and five inches tall, the Slovenian is a player who still brings more promise than pedigree, but his physical profile is one that elite clubs are reluctant to miss out on.
If he were to come to Old Trafford, Amorim would be hoping for him to avoid similar adjustment issues to the club’s existing young strikers, Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee.