United’s Summer Strategy: Flexibility or Lack of Direction in Attack? | OneFootball

Manchester United’s Transfer Intentions Reveal More Questions Than Answers

Manchester United’s summer so far has been anything but quiet. As reported by The Athletic, key discussions around goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, attacking target Bryan Mbeumo, and the futures of Marcus Rashford, Alejandro Garnacho and Antony suggest a club attempting to manoeuvre its way back to the summit of English football. But beneath the headline moves and multi-million-pound valuations lies an ongoing concern — are United building a coherent plan under Ruben Amorim or scrambling to plug gaps as they appear?

Garnacho: Instagram

Goalkeeper Situation Hinges on Onana’s Future

Dialogue between United and Emiliano Martinez’s representatives has reportedly been ongoing since January. The Aston Villa No. 1 is highly rated and remains open to a move to Old Trafford, but any progression here seems frozen until Andre Onana’s future is clarified.

“Martinez is of the understanding that any pursuit depends on Andre Onana’s future.”

Martinez, who has no interest in moving to Saudi Arabia, would favour United or another top European side. Villa, for now, have received no direct contact from United, and it’s worth remembering that Martinez signed a new deal until 2029 only last summer.

Photo IMAGO

Onana, meanwhile, appears settled. While a firm offer for his services might change that, there’s currently “little movement by United to sell him or buy a goalkeeper for significant money.”

The noises suggest stability in goal unless an unexpected bid changes the dynamics. But the fact that United are maintaining conversations with Martinez’s camp reveals some lingering doubts.

Mbeumo Emerges as a Tactical and Strategic Pivot

With Liam Delap no longer an option, United’s pursuit of Bryan Mbeumo has escalated. A first offer worth £55m was swiftly rejected by Brentford. A revised bid has now followed.

“On Monday, The Athletic reported United have made a second, improved offer in excess of £60million for the Brentford forward.”

That’s more than the £62.5m Wolves are demanding for Matheus Cunha, reflecting how highly United value Mbeumo. It also indicates how urgently they want firepower, despite Mbeumo not being an orthodox striker.

“Part of the reason for United pivoting to Mbeumo after missing out on Liam Delap was to get as close to getting a guarantee of Premier League goals into the team as possible.”

Mbeumo netted 20 times last season, a feat that placed him fifth in the Premier League scoring charts. Most of those came from the right channel, but in five years at Brentford, he has also shown he can operate up front — scoring against Tottenham, West Ham, Arsenal and Chelsea from a central role.

United’s coaching staff believe Mbeumo and Cunha could create a flexible attacking carousel. Add in Rasmus Hojlund, who remains a target for Inter Milan, and you have a mixed bag of styles with no guaranteed spearhead. Amorim’s system has typically featured versatile forward play, but there’s a danger that versatility becomes a euphemism for imbalance.

Rashford, Garnacho and Antony on the Brink

Squad overhaul is clearly afoot. The most high-profile name circling the exit is Marcus Rashford. His flirty chat with Barcelona fan and YouTuber Javi Ruiz raised eyebrows.

“Rashford said he would ‘for sure’ like to be team-mates with Lamine Yamal in future. ‘Hopefully, we’ll see,’ he said.”

While no firm offer has materialised, United are exploring a sale. Barcelona’s chase of Nico Williams might complicate things, but Rashford is open to a move abroad. A loan nearer the deadline is possible, especially if the market doesn’t yield the full transfer fee United hope for.

Alejandro Garnacho also features on London clubs’ radars. Chelsea are interested, and his public alignment with Rashford — posting a photo in an Aston Villa shirt — has only fuelled speculation.

United reportedly want £70m for the Argentinian. Bayer Leverkusen baulked at the price. Despite links with Erik ten Hag, who gave Garnacho his United debut, the Bundesliga side will not pursue a deal.

Antony’s future is the closest to being resolved. “Antony is the most advanced when it comes to exits, with Real Betis wishing to turn his loan move into a permanent transfer.”

Attacking Identity Remains Unclear

It’s clear United want an athletic midfielder and continue to consider attacking reinforcements. Talks with Eintracht Frankfurt over Hugo Ekitike and interest in Viktor Gyokeres reinforce the fact that signing another No. 9 remains a live option.

But it’s difficult to escape the conclusion that United are still searching for clarity. Mbeumo and Cunha are creative, flexible attackers, yet neither offers the old-school centre-forward punch that United fans still crave. Hojlund, in theory, could fill that void, but Amorim’s system may not be the best fit for his traditional strengths.

Without a commanding focal point, United risk heading into another season of creative build-up without clinical end product. And for a club still struggling to re-establish itself among England’s elite, that could prove fatal.

Word count: 902

Our View – EPL Index

EXCITED Manchester United supporter view:

There’s a buzz around Old Trafford again, and that’s not always been the case in recent summers. The move for Bryan Mbeumo shows ambition. Not many players score 20 in the Premier League from a wide starting position, and he’s proven against the best — goals against Arsenal, Chelsea, Spurs and West Ham say everything. He’s got the pace, the physicality and, crucially, the mentality United need.

The rumours about Emiliano Martinez also point to a smarter recruitment strategy. He’s a World Cup winner, brilliant in the big moments, and wouldn’t be fazed by life under the Old Trafford lights. Even if Onana stays, the club having that conversation shows we’re thinking ahead.

Sure, Rashford possibly leaving is a shocker, but maybe it’s time. If his heart’s elsewhere, let’s reinvest. Garnacho is a talent, but £70m? If Chelsea or someone bites, we take it.

Amorim looks to be building something flexible and fluid. This summer could be the foundation of a modern United attack — fast, interchangeable, dynamic. If they pull off Mbeumo and Cunha together, that’s top-four firepower.