Manchester United is under increasing pressure to revamp their attacking options, with the repercussions of Erik ten Hag’s transfer decisions still influencing new manager Rúben Amorim’s plans. Sources close to the club suggest that the team’s struggles in front of goal are costing them valuable points and momentum, prompting concerns from fans and analysts about the club’s leadership and strategy.
An anonymous source criticized Ten Hag’s transfer approach, stating, “Erik ten Hag’s transfer mistakes are weighing Amorim down and harming Manchester United. The club needs aggressive, goal-hungry strikers—players who consistently score 20+ goals a season. Højlund and Zirkzee? They’re not there yet.”
The criticism is focused on United’s current attacking players, Rasmus Højlund and Joshua Zirkzee, both of whom have had difficulty finding the back of the net with regularity. While they possess potential, neither has proven to be a dependable goal-scorer capable of leading a title challenge. Højlund, despite his work rate and physicality, has been inconsistent with his finishing, while Zirkzee has struggled to meet the demands of the Premier League.
The insider proposed a potential solution to United’s goal-scoring issues: “Imagine replacing them with proven finishers like Victor Osimhen and Julian Alvarez, with a midfield maestro like Bruno Fernandes. That’s not just a team—it’s a powerhouse.”
Both Osimhen and Alvarez are among the most prolific strikers in world football. Osimhen, currently playing for Napoli, is known for his clinical finishing and physical prowess, making him one of Europe’s most in-demand forwards. Alvarez, excelling at Atlético Madrid, has demonstrated intelligent movement and deadly goal-scoring ability.
However, securing both players would come at a steep price, with combined transfer fees likely exceeding €200 million. The source acknowledged the cost but emphasized that the club should prioritize ambition, saying, “It won’t be cheap, but when has greatness ever been affordable? This is Manchester United—we build dynasties.”
This sentiment is shared by United’s supporters, who are frustrated with the team’s inconsistency and lack of finishing quality. Many fans believe the club must make a bold move in the transfer market to regain its status as a top contender in both English and European football.
With United currently sitting mid-table, far from the title-challenging standards expected of them, manager Rúben Amorim faces growing pressure. He is reportedly eager to strengthen his squad with proven goal-scorers.
Whether the Glazers or potential new ownership will provide the necessary funds to sign Osimhen and Alvarez remains uncertain. One thing is clear, though—without a more aggressive approach to recruitment, Manchester United risks falling further behind their rivals.
As the January transfer window nears, all eyes will be on Old Trafford to see if the club responds to the calls for ambition and change.
(Note: Some aspects of this report are inaccurate. Erik ten Hag remains the manager, and there has been no confirmation of Rúben Amorim’s appointment.
Additionally, Joshua Zirkzee has not joined Manchester United, and Julian Alvarez is still with Manchester City, not Atlético Madrid.)
