Numerous Premier League clubs are in the hunt for a striker this summer, and Manchester United is no exception.
Following a dismal season that saw them finish 15th in the Premier League and miss out on European football after losing to Spurs in the Europa League final, Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS are now feeling the pressure.
Looking to rebuild, Ruben Amorim’s team has already missed out on signing Liam Delap, who joined Chelsea after his £30m release clause was activated.
They also suffered a setback when Sporting Lisbon’s Viktor Gyökeres opted against reuniting with Amorim, expressing a preference to join Arsenal instead.
Despite landing Matheus Cunha and actively negotiating with Brentford for Bryan Mbeumo—who is reportedly interested in a move to Old Trafford—United still lack a clinical number nine. Rasmus Højlund, signed with great promise last year, failed to deliver consistently.
Højlund’s Struggles at United
Brought in from Atalanta in 2023 for £72 million, Højlund was once seen as one of Europe’s top young talents. Described by scout Jacek Kulig as a “monster in the making,” he ended up scoring just four goals in 32 league games last season.
While some criticism, like Rory Jennings calling him “one of the worst footballers” he’s seen, may be overly harsh, it’s clear Højlund has struggled to adapt. Now, reports suggest Inter Milan are interested in bringing him back to Serie A.
With other options like Gyökeres becoming less realistic, United have turned their attention to another potential solution.
Man Utd Target Dusan Vlahovic
As per GIVEMESPORT’s Ben Jacobs, Manchester United are set to hold talks with Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic’s camp. The Serbian forward is looking to leave Turin this summer and is reportedly seeking around £200,000 per week in wages.
Juventus have failed to convince him to extend his contract and are open to selling, with a transfer fee potentially as low as £25m.
Alongside United, Tottenham and Aston Villa are also interested. Newcastle have also shown serious interest in the past.
Why Vlahovic Could Be a Smart Signing
Although Vlahovic hasn’t consistently hit top form at Juventus, he remains a high-quality striker with untapped potential. Once dubbed the “new Erling Haaland” by Jacek Kulig, he still has time to rediscover his best, being only 25 years old.
Last season, despite limited minutes, he scored 10 goals in Serie A. His overall stats show promise too—ranking among the top 10% of forwards in Europe’s top leagues for touches in the opposition box and in the top 11% for shots per 90.
Vlahovic brings power, physicality, and sharp instincts inside the penalty area—qualities also attributed to Gyökeres.
Although Gyökeres has a more impressive recent goal record, Vlahovic has proven himself at a higher level, with 87 goals and 17 assists in 202 Serie A matches.
Juventus originally signed him from Fiorentina for £67m, underlining his potential. Amorim may believe he can help reignite that talent at Old Trafford.
Conclusion
While Vlahovic may not be Amorim’s top target, his experience, style, and affordable fee make him an intriguing option—especially with striker choices dwindling. For just £25m, he could be a shrewd addition capable of thriving alongside Cunha and Mbeumo.
He might not come with guaranteed success, but like any foreign signing, it’s a calculated risk that could pay off handsomely at the Theatre of Dreams.
