Man Utd Eye Trio of Veteran Strikers as Transfer Woes Mount

INEOS Explores Free Agent Market Amidst Target Difficulties

Manchester United’s search for a new centre-forward has hit several roadblocks, prompting a pivot towards experienced, unattached players who fit manager Ruben Amorim‘s criteria. The club’s new leadership, INEOS, faces significant challenges in securing their primary transfer targets.

Free Agents Offer Premier League Pedigree

With key targets like **Liam Delap** opting for Chelsea, **Viktor Gyokeres** heading to Arsenal, and **Hugo Ekitike** nearing a Liverpool move, United’s options have narrowed. Exorbitant pricing for players such as **Nicolas Jackson** and **Ollie Watkins**, coupled with potential similar issues for **Jean-Philippe Mateta** and **Evanilson**, has forced a rethink.

Amorim has reportedly specified a need for a No.9 with prior Premier League experience. According to reports, three forwards available on free transfers meet this requirement.

Proven Strikers on the Market

Dominic Calvert-Lewin, recently released by Everton, is seeking a new club. **Callum Wilson** was also let go by Newcastle United upon his contract’s expiry. Meanwhile, **Jamie Vardy** is a free agent after departing Leicester City.

Each of these seasoned forwards has achieved double-digit Premier League goal tallies in past seasons, with **Vardy** reaching this milestone on four occasions. However, questions linger about whether their most impactful years are behind them.

Past Season Performances and Future Outlook

Collectively, the trio scored 12 league goals last term. **Calvert-Lewin** endured a challenging season with Everton, **Wilson** battled further injury issues at Newcastle, and **Vardy** was unable to inspire Leicester’s survival efforts.

United’s hierarchy appears hesitant to commit to these veteran options at this stage, preferring to exhaust other avenues. This cautious approach stems from a desire to avoid fan criticism, especially when rival clubs like Arsenal, Chelsea, and Liverpool are securing higher-profile signings.

United has already invested heavily in **Matheus Cunha** and **Bryan Mbeumo**, spending over £130 million. While both can operate as strikers, they are anticipated to occupy the No.10 roles. This leaves the central striking position still needing reinforcement after a season where goal-scoring proved a significant issue, with **Rasmus Hojlund** and **Joshua Zirkzee** being the only recognised centre-forward options.

The current market for strikers remains competitive, with many clubs seeking similar profiles. For instance, in the 2023-2024 Premier League season, only seven out of the twenty clubs scored more than 1.5 goals per game on average (Premier League).