Man United Need A Number 9, But Who? | OneFootball

Rúben Amorim’s arrival in January was supposed to spark a revival but instead it has brought more worry. United slumped to their worst Premier League finish in over 50 years, ending 15th with just 42 points, their fewest since 1973‑74. They also suffered a narrow 1‑0 defeat to Tottenham in the Europa League final, sealing elimination from all European competitions next season. Some critics say Amorim’s style hasn’t taken off, with just six league wins in 26 games under his watch, prompting widespread doubts over both results and the direction that Man United are going in with Amorim at the helm.

Striker issues are front and centre. Rasmus Højlund scored only four Premier League goals in 32 appearances, a worrying drop after his promising debut season. While new signing Joshua Zirkzee managed just three league goals. Due to injuries and lack of impact, Zirkzee and Hojlund could be allowed to leave already. The academy’s bright spark, Chido Obi, blew fans away by becoming the youngest Premier League starter at just 17, but he’s barely had a handful of games and remains years from leading the line consistently.

United’s recent acquisitions, Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo, have addressed wider attacking needs, but the glaring gap remains at striker. With goals in desperately short supply last season, it’s time for Amorim’s rebuild to focus on a Number 9 who can actually deliver those goals.

Who Could Man United Sign As Their Number 9?

Ollie Watkins

Watkins has emerged as one of the most complete forwards in English football. He finished the 2024/25 campaign with 16 Premier League goals and eight assists for Aston Villa, helping Unai Emery’s side push for a top-four finish. Despite their impressive form, Villa narrowly missed out on Champions League qualification on the final day, which may explain their openness to negotiating a high-value sale this summer. With the club navigating UEFA’s profit and sustainability rules, selling a prized asset like Watkins could provide much-needed flexibility.

Villa reportedly value Watkins around £60 million, though the fee could rise depending on competition. There’s been talk of a potential swap deal involving Alejandro Garnacho, with Villa keen on bringing in the young winger. United may also try to include Marcus Rashford, who spent last season on loan and is believed to be pushing for a permanent move to Barcelona. The stats support Watkins’ appeal: he ranked in the 82nd percentile for non-penalty goals, 86th for touches in the box and 69th in expected assists. He’s proven, durable, and Premier League-tested, but United would need to move decisively to get this one over the line.

Nicolas Jackson

Jackson recorded 10 goals and five assists in 30 Premier League appearances during the 2024/25 season, a respectable return in what was his second year in English football. He showed bursts of pace and movement, but still lacked the consistency to convince Chelsea he is the long-term solution up front. His non-penalty xG per 90 was around 0.39, and he posted a goal conversion rate of just under 45 percent, indicating a need for refinement in front of goal.

Chelsea are reportedly open to selling Jackson if a strong offer comes in, with price estimates ranging from £60 million to as much as £100 million. With the club looking to reshape their forward line and recent arrivals pushing Jackson down the pecking order, a move could be realistic. For United, his Premier League readiness and high percentile rankings in xG (93rd) and touches in the box (82nd) are appealing. But they’d need to weigh that against his inefficiency and the likelihood of a drawn-out negotiation with a domestic rival.

Victor Osimhen

Osimhen has dismissed lavish offers from Saudi Arabia, including a reported €90 million contract from Al-Hilal, instead reaffirming his desire to stay in Europe. That places Galatasaray, where he scored 26 league goals last season and won the Süper Lig Golden Boot, in pole position for a permanent deal.

Despite strong personal interest in joining Manchester United, where he’s long been a fan, the financials make a deal hugely challenging. Napoli’s release clause sits at €75 million, and Osimhen’s wage demands, citing over £350,000 gross per week in England, appear beyond what United are willing to offer. He remains a world-class talent, elite in pace, power, finishing, and link-up play, and represents arguably the most complete striker option on United’s radar. Securing him would be a statement signing, but the cost and wage structure present major hurdles. One that INEOS seemingly doesn’t want to jump over.

Rodrigo Muniz

Fulham insist that Muniz is not for sale despite interest, including a rejected £32 million bid from Leeds United. That said, the Brazilian is entering the final year of his contract, with Fulham holding an option to extend by 12 months. If United were to turn the screws with a strong personal offer, and Muniz pushed for a move, Fulham might relent, particularly if they fail to agree on a fresh contract.

On the pitch, Muniz has quietly boomed. He scored eight goals in just eight Premier League starts last season and has amassed 17 goals across his two seasons in the English top flight, despite limited game time. Sky Sports ranked him second for non-penalty goals per 90 minutes in the division and top five for expected goals per 90. His aerial presence and physicality are elite for a striker his age as well.

Muniz is also a confessed Manchester United fan, and a move would carry personal appeal. All signs point to him being a smart, high-upside, under-the-radar target, especially as a potential bargain considering his form and contract situation.

Marco Retegui

Retegui is one of the more realistic options on the list. After a strong season in Serie A, United scouts have reportedly watched him several times and placed him on the shortlist. He offers sharp movement, hold-up play, and consistent finishing. While not flashy, he has proven himself in a top European league and would offer a significant upgrade on current depth.

Atalanta are said to be open to selling in the £46–50 million range, a figure that places him at the value end of United’s potential spending. Compared to Sesko or Omorodion, he represents a two-thirds price alternative with much less risk. Statistically, he’s among the elite: 97th percentile for non-penalty goals, 98th in non-penalty xG, and 93rd in goal conversion rate. He also posted 95.7 in touches in the box and 35.7 in expected assists, suggesting he can contribute as a poacher and a link player. If Amorim wants someone who can play right away without straining the budget, Retegui makes a lot of sense.

Dušan Vlahović

Vlahović might be the biggest bargain of the lot—on paper. Juventus have made him available for as little as €17 million according to some reports, with talks even emerging about a possible release from his contract due to wage and amortisation pressures. The fee, if accurate, is an enormous drop for a striker once valued above €70 million. United remain among the clubs informed of his availability.

Troubling signs on the pitch and in the treatment room raise red flags. He endured a 13-game drought between late February and mid-May, with critics blaming poor decision-making, a weak first touch and surprising susceptibility to physical battles he once won. Off-field, his attitude is under scrutiny too, fans and media have taken aim at entitled celebrations, poor relationships with staff and a sense of detachment from the squad.

Despite that, his premium underlying numbers remain useful: mid-range non-penalty goal output (48th percentile), solid non-penalty xG (84.7), average conversion (45.1) and top-tier presence in the box as he is in the 94.1st percentile for touches in the box. His profile: left-footed, physically dominant, and just 25, still ticks many boxes for a side in need of consistent threat in the final third, if United are willing to manage the risks.

Moise Kean

Kean has been listed in ESPN’s rumoured striker shortlist for United. The 25-year-old has had a patchy club career, struggling to make a consistent impact at Juventus, PSG, and notably Everton, where he scored just four goals in 39 appearances. His time in England raised doubts about his adaptability to the physicality and tempo of the Premier League—concerns that haven’t fully gone away.

Fiorentina have inserted a €52 million release clause into his deal, which runs through 2027. While United would have to match that to get the deal done quickly, the potential to negotiate a more structured deal exists. Statistically, Kean holds up better than many expect: 90.6 percentile in non-penalty goals, 92.9 in non-penalty xG and 63.5 in conversion rate. He also leads in offensive duels won (82.7 percentile), making him a surprisingly efficient and physical forward. Still, after seeing Højlund and Zirkzee struggle with the same league adaptation issues, United may think twice before committing big money to another risk in that mould.

Samu Omorodion

Samu Omorodion is admired by Rúben Amorim, with credible reports stating the United boss is a big fan of the 20-year-old’s potential. The Spanish forward enjoyed a breakout year in Portugal, showcasing elite physicality, strong pressing instincts, and composure beyond his age. His ability to stretch defences and lead a high line makes him a stylistic fit for Amorim’s pressing system.

Despite the appeal, Porto’s valuation of €80–100 million makes a move unlikely. He wouldn’t arrive as a backup and would require a fee on par with Šeško or Viktor Gyökeres, which feels out of step with United’s summer budget. Omorodion also posted some impressive underlying numbers: 89th percentile in non-penalty goals, 82nd in aerial duels, and an elite 92.5% goal conversion rate. While the talent is clear, the price tag means this is probably a non-runner unless United raise significant funds.

Benjamin Šeško

Šeško is already well-known to United’s recruitment staff and was previously on their radar during his early years at Domžale, but they passed up the opportunity to sign him for a fraction of today’s asking price. The Slovenian forward has blossomed at RB Leipzig, notching 21 goals across 45 appearances last season. He combines pace, height, and an instinctive finish—he’s as close to a complete package as any striker under 23 in Europe. Sesko has a ceiling that seems unmatched in Europe; he has the ability to score from anywhere, which interests clubs all around the world.

He looked set for Arsenal earlier in the summer, but their attention now appears to have shifted to Viktor Gyökeres. That has reopened a window of opportunity for United, although the release clause of €80 million still stands. Leipzig are known to accept structured installments, which might make a deal more manageable for their number 9. Šeško’s underlying metrics back the hype: 73rd percentile for non-penalty goals, 70.2 in aerial duels won, and elite numbers for touches in the box. If United want to reverse the mistake of letting him go once, this might be their best chance.

Gonçalo Ramos

Ramos is in a strange place at PSG. He scored 10 goals and registered three assists in Ligue 1 last season, but has been unable to nail down a regular starting spot. Ousmane Dembélé and Kolo Muani are both ahead of him in the pecking order, and reports in France suggest PSG are open to letting him leave for the right offer. United are one of the clubs believed to have been offered the 23-year-old, with Amorim said to rate him from their shared time in the Portuguese setup.

Relations between United and PSG remain solid after last year’s Manuel Ugarte deal, and that could help any future negotiations. Ramos’s underlying stats paint a solid picture: 0.79 non-penalty xG per 90, 0.85 goals per 90, and 1.1 goal contributions per 90. The output is there when he plays, but it hasn’t quite clicked for him in France, possibly due to the system or the tactical demands under Luis Enrique. At this price, he could represent smart value, particularly if Amorim believes he fits his forward blueprint.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin

Calvert-Lewin is now available on a free transfer after Everton chose not to renew his deal. Once valued at over £40 million, the 27-year-old has seen his stock plummet due to a brutal run of injuries that has limited his availability and dulled his edge. Still, when fit, he’s an archetypal Number 9, excellent in the air, strong in hold-up play, and clinical in the box. In his peak 2020–21 season, he scored 16 Premier League goals and earned international recognition.

There have been links to Manchester United before, and reports suggest he’s among the names quietly being monitored this summer. His underlying data remains encouraging when healthy: strong aerial duel numbers, high shot volume in central areas, and a proven ability to score off limited service. As a backup option, he could make real sense. If he stays fit and returns to previous form, there’s a realistic path where Calvert-Lewin becomes United’s starting striker again—without costing a penny.

Who Should Man United Sign As Their Number 9?

If finances weren’t a factor, Victor Osimhen would be the clear first choice. He offers elite athleticism, consistent output, and carries the aura of a big-game striker. But with his transfer fee and wage demands pushing the total cost beyond £120 million, it’s a move that looks increasingly unrealistic for a club needing to strengthen across multiple positions.

With that in mind, United may be better served by targeting a high-upside Premier League name via a swap-based deal. If Alejandro Garnacho is genuinely open to moving and could be used to drive down the cost of either Ollie Watkins or Nicolas Jackson, then United could solve their number 9 problem for little to no upfront fee. Both players are established in the league, have strong data profiles, and would fit Amorim’s system—especially Watkins, who offers physicality, movement, and experience.

In terms of raw output and fit, Marco Retegui, Benjamin Šeško and Samu Omorodion all showed standout numbers. Retegui in particular ranks in the 97th percentile for non-penalty goals and 98th for xG, making him arguably the best value-for-money striker on the shortlist.

But if we factor in cost, style, and readiness to start, the most well-rounded choice may actually be Watkins, assuming a deal could be negotiated involving Garnacho. He’s battle-tested, scores regularly, presses well, and wouldn’t require a long adaptation period. Amorim needs someone who can start scoring straight away. Watkins is closest to that brief. If not him, then Retegui or Ramos represent the smartest fallback plans.