Manchester United are said to have called off their pursuit of Viktor Gyokeres, with the club's future in doubt following their failure to qualify for the Champions League.
Though the Red Devils ended their 2024-25 Premier League season with a 2-0 win against Aston Villa on Sunday, they have ended in 15th place with just 42 points, their worst ever placement and points tally in the competition's history.
United also agonisingly lost 1-0 in the Europa League final against Tottenham Hotspur last Wednesday, and the defeat meant that they missed out on European football entirely.
Perhaps the biggest consequence of the loss was the fact that the team will not receive any extra income from participation in the Champions League next season, something that could prove catastrophic given the club are said to be in poor financial health.
The Red Devils' economic troubles could force them to look for alternative targets in the transfer market, and journalist Florian Plettenberg claims that United have now pivoted away from Sporting Lisbon striker Gyokeres, who was seen as one potential successor to Rasmus Hojlund.
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Why United must improve their attack
Boss Ruben Amorim must start the 2025-26 season positively if he is to avoid being place under extra scrutiny, but he is unlikely to improve the team's fortunes without offensive reinforcement.
United found the back of the net just 44 times in the Premier League in 2024-25, making them the fifth-worst offensive side in the top flight.
No player scored more than eight league goals for the team, while Hojlund only managed to score on four occasions, meaning he has netted just 14 top-flight goals in 62 games during his time at Old Trafford.
Amorim has been able to rely on Bruno Fernandes - who scored 19 goals and provided 18 assists in all competitions across the season - but the attacking midfielder is already 30 and will need help as he ages.
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Who should the Red Devils sign?
Wolverhampton Wanderers attacker Matheus Cunha is believed to be close to securing a move to Old Trafford, and the Brazilian would fit in well in one of two supportive roles behind a central striker in Amorim's 3-4-3 system.
The Wolves star scored 15 goals and provided six assists in 33 Premier League games despite the fact his side were battling relegation for significant periods this term.
Elsewhere, Ipswich Town's relegation to the Championship opens up the potential for United to strike an opportunistic deal to sign number nine Liam Delap, who can be signed should a club meet his £30m release clause.
The 22-year-old managed to score 12 goals for Ipswich, and he could act as a focal point for Fernandes and Cunha to play towards.
Lewis Nolan
