Manchester United consider surprise move for Chelsea forward | OneFootball

Manchester United Monitor Nicolas Jackson Amid Forward Reshuffle

United revisit forward options amid goal drought concerns

Manchester United’s desire to revitalise their attacking options has led them to monitor Chelsea forward Nicolas Jackson, whose future at Stamford Bridge remains uncertain after a turbulent summer. According to The Times, the 24-year-old Senegalese striker is under consideration as United attempt to address their persistent goalscoring issues.

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Chelsea’s recent investment in forwards, including Liam Delap and João Pedro, has cast doubt over Jackson’s position in the squad. Pedro arrived from Brighton for £60 million and featured prominently in the Club World Cup, scoring three times. Delap, signed from Ipswich for £30 million, also found the net in the group stage against Espérance de Tunis.

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In contrast, Jackson failed to score in the tournament and received a two-match suspension for a studs-up challenge on Flamengo’s Lucas Ayrton. While Chelsea are not actively trying to sell him, The Times reports there is a belief they may cash in if an acceptable offer comes in.

Chelsea reinforcements trigger exit speculation

With additional signings like Borussia Dortmund winger Jamie Gittens for an initial £48.5 million, competition for places is growing. Jackson, signed from Villarreal for £32 million in 2023, now finds himself vulnerable despite being seen as a long-term project when first brought in.

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United are not alone in their interest. AC Milan and Aston Villa are also monitoring developments, but with United’s attacking woes laid bare last season, there is added urgency at Old Trafford.

Old Trafford search sharpened by record low tally

United scored just 44 goals in the league last season, their worst total since relegation in 1973-74. The club’s move for Matheus Cunha from Wolves for £62.5 million shows a clear intent to overhaul the forward line. Talks are ongoing with Brentford over Bryan Mbeumo, who is similarly valued.

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Despite difficulties offloading players like Rashford, Antony, Sancho, Malacia and Garnacho, United expect a modest boost of £18 million from sell-on clauses related to Elanga, Oyedele and Carreras.

Player sales fund fresh additions

Álvaro Carreras’ £37 million move to Real Madrid from Benfica is one such windfall. It offers slight relief as United navigate FFP constraints and continue to pursue upgrades in the final third.

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Our View – EPL Index Analysis

This feels like a surreal twist in United’s transfer narrative. Nicolas Jackson? Really? A player Chelsea are already thinking about offloading, who didn’t score in a single Club World Cup game and got banned for a reckless challenge, is now on United’s radar?

United fans were told there would be a proper rebuild. Signing Cunha made sense. Mbeumo feels smart. But Jackson, after a lacklustre stint at Stamford Bridge, raises doubts. If Chelsea, with all their churn, are already ready to sell, should that not set off alarm bells?

The wider issue is that their transfer strategy still lacks cohesion. United are chasing multiple forwards while sitting on a wage bill bloated with outcasts. Rashford, Sancho, Antony, no takers yet. Garnacho still looms over headlines. And here they are considering another forward who might not improve what they already have.

If Jackson comes in and performs, fantastic. But there’s a growing frustration that United are still shopping in the discount aisle while top sides secure proven match-winners. This isn’t about Jackson alone. It’s about standards, direction and whether the club is learning from past mistakes or repeating them.