Man United ‘Considering’ Move to Sign £80m Striker – Report | OneFootball

Man Utd’s Summer Striker Dilemma: Ekitike Price Hike Opens Door for Kolo Muani Revival

With Matheus Cunha poised to arrive from Wolves, Manchester United’s attacking rebuild under Ruben Amorim is beginning to take shape. Yet, according to a detailed report by Give Me Sport, the club’s need for a prolific number nine remains urgent. Amorim, keen to use Cunha in the number 10 role, is reportedly pushing for a natural striker to lead the line next season.

United’s current strike force, while promising, lacks the firepower of their Premier League rivals. As Give Me Sport states, “Neither Rasmus Hojlund nor Joshua Zirkzee is a prolific goalscorer,” and without addressing this issue, United risk falling further behind the likes of Liverpool and Manchester City.

Hugo Ekitike: Talented but Overpriced?

Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike has emerged as one of the leading names on United’s shortlist. At just 22, the Frenchman has already amassed an impressive 22 goals and 10 assists in 45 appearances this season. His potential is undeniable, and he fits the profile of a dynamic, multi-functional striker.

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However, his valuation poses a significant hurdle. Give Me Sport notes: “Eintracht Frankfurt want £80million for the 22-year-old Frenchman,” and that “if the Bundesliga club ‘do not budge on that figure’, then Man Utd will not be able to sign the former Paris Saint-Germain striker.” In the post-INEOS era, where financial discipline is increasingly prioritised, such a steep fee is a major sticking point.

Kolo Muani: A Familiar Name Resurfaces

If a move for Ekitike proves unfeasible, another French option could re-emerge—Randal Kolo Muani. The 26-year-old was linked with United during the January window before joining Juventus on loan from PSG. His impact in Italy has been noteworthy, with six goals and an assist in 12 appearances for the Bianconeri.

As the report adds, “There remains a slim chance Randal Kolo Muani could re-emerge as an option too.” With Juventus lacking a permanent purchase clause and currently at risk of missing out on Champions League qualification, United could strike if the Italian side falter financially.

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What makes Kolo Muani particularly enticing is his versatility and completeness as a striker. Real Madrid’s Kylian Mbappé has previously described him as a “very complete” player—a glowing endorsement that underscores his value.

Delap and Osimhen Among Alternative Targets

United aren’t limiting themselves to just one or two names. Ipswich Town’s Liam Delap and Napoli’s Victor Osimhen remain under consideration, although both deals come with complications.

Osimhen’s name continues to surface, but his price and Napoli’s reluctance to sell mean he remains more of a fantasy than a concrete target.

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Financial Pragmatism vs. Tactical Necessity

Amorim’s clear blueprint for the squad makes the need for a new striker urgent. However, United’s hierarchy must balance that ambition with financial realism. Ekitike’s talent is promising but unproven at the top European level, while Kolo Muani—though slightly older—offers a more developed skill set at potentially lower cost if Juventus cannot act.

In this high-stakes game of transfer dominoes, Amorim and INEOS will need to act decisively—and wisely.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

For Manchester United fans, especially those excited by Ruben Amorim’s appointment, this report offers plenty to unpack. The emphasis on a fluid 4-2-3-1 or 3-4-2-1 formation under Amorim has already shown hints of promise—but a true No. 9 is clearly the missing piece. Cunha behind a top striker sounds ideal on paper, but United simply can’t afford to get this decision wrong.

Hugo Ekitike sounds exciting, sure. His stats this season are impressive, but £80m for a player still building his top-flight pedigree? It feels like an old Glazers move—expensive hype, uncertain output. United can’t repeat the Anthony Martial or Jadon Sancho mistakes again.

Kolo Muani, on the other hand, feels more like an Amorim-style player. He’s technically sharp, mobile, and works hard defensively. And if Juventus can’t lock him down permanently, that could be a smart and financially sound signing. Mbappé calling him “very complete” isn’t something to overlook either.

As for Delap—great talent, but the salary demands seem out of sync for a player yet to prove himself consistently. If he’s available for £30m and willing to be developed, maybe. But £150k a week? That’s starter money, not potential money.

All things considered, Amorim’s striker hunt will define this summer. And for fans craving direction and clarity after years of reactive transfers, this plan—if followed through intelligently—might finally offer a glimpse of a modern United.