Brentford’s firm stance on Igor Thiago forces United to pivot. With Zirkzee failing to impress, the Red Devils must hunt for experienced alternatives to bolster their frontline.
In the 2024/25 Premier League season, Manchester United scored just 44 goals – the fifth-lowest total – as they slumped to a 15th-place finish.
A major problem that United faced was their lack of firepower up front, with Joshua Zirkzee and Rasmus Højlund combining for just seven goals between them, while Bruno Fernandes and Amad led the scoring charts with eight goals each.
As a result, United spent big on their forward line last summer, paying a combined total of around £206.5 million to bring in Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo, and Benjamin Šeško.
The trio impressed in their debut campaigns at Old Trafford, with all three reaching double figures for goals in the Premier League. Šeško, who struggled for goals under Rúben Amorim, came to life after the turn of the year, scoring nine goals in 16 games before an injury ruled him out for the last three games of the season.
Man Utd hit roadblock for Igor Thiago
While the new Manchester United trio impressed, the same couldn't be said for Zirkzee, who managed just two goals in 609 Premier League minutes last term, as it became clear that the Dutch striker is not adequate backup for Šeško, with Mbeumo often being the preferred option to deputise up front.
As a result, it's become clear that United need striker depth this summer ahead of a Champions League campaign, with Šeško needing a quality option to share minutes with.
Despite this, Brentford have made it abundantly clear that they will not listen to any offers for their star striker this summer, with the 25-year-old signing a long-term contract earlier in the year.
With the player also reportedly happy in West London, Brentford have no pressure to sell the striker this summer, making it all the more difficult for United to sanction a move for the 25-year-old.
Man Utd need a striker
While a move for Thiago could prove to be extremely difficult this summer, there are still some avenues that United could look at to find an experienced striker to provide key depth up front.
After missing out on a reunion with former Red Danny Welbeck, who joined Chelsea, United could still pursue the likes of Ollie Watkins, who has been linked with a move away, and Jean-Philippe Mateta, whose contract expires next year.
The pair, who have key Premier League experience, would be great additions for United, but as it stands, with United's slow business this summer, concerns are growing about whether the club will be able to reinforce all the positions that need depth.
With Juventus rumoured to be interested in bringing Zirkzee back to Serie A on loan, where he thrived, it would mean that United simply have to bring in another forward, but with time running out, the Dutch striker could still have a role to play at Old Trafford this season,
