Breaking a string of unwanted records last season as they slumped to a 15th-place finish, Manchester United have drastically failed to find any kind of fluidity since Ruben Amorim’s arrival eight months ago.
Suffering Europa League heartbreak against domestic rivals Tottenham on May 21st, the former Sporting Lisbon boss still has a huge amount of pressure on his shoulders at Old Trafford.
With no European adventure pencilled in for next season, the Red Devils face what is a monumental summer behind the scenes.
While United might be desperate to push the likes of Jadon Sancho, Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho out of the Old Trafford exit this summer, Amorim has a new number nine at the top of his wishlist.
With continued speculation over Rasmus Hojlund’s long-term future, the Portuguese tactician has made it clear that attacking reinforcements are a priority ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.
With under a month until the new Premier League campaign gets underway, United are heavily linked with some of Europe’s hottest marksmen.
Hugo Ekitike – Eintracht Frankfurt
While Hugo Ekitike might have only made his move to Eintracht Frankfurt a permanent switch last summer, it appears a certainty that the former PSG starlet will be completing an almost imminent departure from Deutsche Bank Park.
With the Frankfurt hierarchy publicly stating that it will be almost impossible to keep hold of the French U21 international, Ekitike has quickly blossomed into one of Europe’s most sought after striking stars.
Despite failing to make any real impact at PSG after arriving from Reims in a reported £30million deal back in the summer of 2022, the 23-year-old has only continued to shine among Germany’s elite.
Registering 15 Bundesliga strikes last season and notching a further eight assists, Frankfurt’s attacking talisman has received plenty of heavyweight admirers from across the continent.
Alongside speculation over a potential move to Chelsea this summer, Ekitike reportedly has his sights set on a big-money Premier League switch and Manchester United are keeping close tabs on proceedings.
With it suggested that Amorim has identified the French youngster as his key summer target, it has also been reported that discussions have already taken place between all parties.
BREAKING: Manchester United have made contact with Eintracht Frankfurt to register an interest in Hugo Ekitike, according to Sky in Germany 🔴 pic.twitter.com/TBQMDQFKTz
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) June 12, 2025
Benjamin Sesko – RB Leipzig
With it suggested only last week that Benjamin Sesko’s move to Arsenal was imminent, the Slovenian starlet must be wondering where it all went wrong.
With it reported that Arsenal were inching closer to agreeing a deal with RB Leipzig, the Gunners have suddenly switched targets to Viktor Gyokeres and Sesko now finds himself in somewhat of a limbo.
However, although a move to north London might have disintegrated, the 22-year-old could still feature among England’s elite come the end of the transfer window.
Reportedly setting his sights on a Premier League move this summer, Manchester United feel that a golden opportunity has presented itself and they could be looking to snap up one of Europe’s hottest striking starlets.
Recording 21 goals across all competitions last season, the former Salzburg youngster has also been previously linked with the likes of Spanish icons Real Madrid.
With Leipzig failing to secure any kind of European campaign for next season and already accepting that they will have to part ways with their most prized asset, Sesko’s arrival at Old Trafford will be considered a real coup.
Ruben Amorim wants Manchester United to sign a striker this summer with Benjamin Šeško and Hugo Ekitike potential targets according to Sky Germany 📝 pic.twitter.com/TWxqF3nl1N
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) March 21, 2025
Ollie Watkins – Aston Villa
Suffering real heartbreak last season as they only missed out on another famous Champions League ticket thanks to their goal difference, it is no secret just how vital those additional finances would be have been.
Reportedly still dealing with some major financial issues behind the scenes, Villa know that they will once again be forced to cash in on some of their big-name stars.
Although England international Ollie Watkins might have stayed put back in January following reported interest from Arsenal, the 29-year-old is once again linked with a move away from Unai Emery’s side.
Recording 16 Premier League goals last season and with only six top-flight players bagging more strikes, Watkins is widely regarded as England’s most lethal marksman behind Harry Kane.
Watching Manchester United loanee Rashford often get the nod over him during the second-half of last season, Watkins made his frustrations publicly clear and there has been plenty of speculation that the ex-Brentford striker could be open to a move away from the Midlands.
Notching double digit Premier League goals in all oof his five campaigns at Villa Park, the 18-cap international would certainly be seen a shrewd arrival.
Ollie Watkins is on Manchester United’s list of potential centre-forward recruits in the event that Rasmus Hojlund leaves the club.
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— The Athletic | Football (@TheAthleticFC) June 30, 2025
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