Man United Eyeing £20m Bargain Move to Sign French Forward | OneFootball

Manchester United Eye Cherki to Join Cunha in Revamped Attack

Cherki Identified as Key Target Behind Striker

Manchester United’s summer rebuild under Ruben Amorim and technical director Jason Wilcox is beginning to take shape — and it’s a shape filled with attacking verve. While Wolves’ Matheus Cunha appears set to become United’s first signing, the plan does not end there. According to Le Progrès, the Red Devils have their eyes firmly on Lyon’s Rayan Cherki.

At just 20 years old, Cherki has flourished this season, notching 12 goals and 20 assists across competitions. That includes strikes in both legs of Lyon’s Europa League quarter-final tie against United — an audition he passed with flair. His performances have silenced past concerns over consistency and maturity, replacing them with evidence of end product and tactical growth.

Photo: IMAGO

Value and Versatility in One

What makes this potential move even more intriguing is the reported fee. “The Lyon ace has confirmed he’ll leave the French side this summer and can be signed for a remarkably modest sum of around €22.5m.”

In today’s inflated market, acquiring one of Europe’s most exciting young creators for under £20 million represents not just value — but opportunity.

Cherki’s versatility is key to Amorim’s system. Deployed as one of two No 10s in a 3-4-2-1, he could operate alongside Cunha, behind a new central striker still to be determined. As Fabrizio Romano explained: “My information is that Man Utd can also add one more player in the No 10 position… depending on outgoings. This is the plan at Manchester United.”

That plan could mean a frontline next season composed entirely of fresh faces — a symbolic, and possibly strategic, break from the old.

Liverpool Link and Wider Interest

There is, however, competition. Cherki has long been admired by Borussia Dortmund and Tottenham. Le Progrès also report that United are ‘tracking’ him, while Football Insider claim a formal move is being planned.

But what of Liverpool? Reports suggest Cherki “favours joining Liverpool”, though that interest is conditional. The Reds are prioritising Florian Wirtz and would only turn to Cherki if their pursuit of the German international fails. With Xavi Simons also on their list, Cherki may find a clearer pathway to minutes at Old Trafford.

Photo IMAGO

Bruno Fernandes and the Evolving Midfield

There’s a broader tactical implication to these attacking moves — particularly concerning Bruno Fernandes. Amid interest from Saudi Arabia, speculation has swirled, but United and their captain remain aligned.

Instead of a departure, Fernandes may evolve. Amorim has already tested him in a deeper role, offering him a chance to dictate tempo from the heart of midfield. It’s a shift not of demotion, but redefinition — allowing the Portuguese maestro to control play while unlocking space for Cunha and Cherki ahead.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

Manchester United’s pursuit of Rayan Cherki signals intent — and intelligence. In a window where prices are sky-high, securing one of Europe’s top young creators for €22.5 million is the sort of business that echoes the shrewdness of United’s past glories.

Cherki isn’t just another name. He’s the type of technical talent Old Trafford has lacked since Juan Mata’s prime — a player who sees angles others miss and thrives in tight spaces.

The idea of Cunha and Cherki combining behind a new striker — while Bruno pulls the strings from deeper — is an exciting prospect. It’s fresh, modern, and filled with potential. Fans have grown tired of tactical inconsistency and functional football. Cherki brings artistry, and alongside Amorim’s structured vision, he could flourish.

Competition from Dortmund and Spurs is real. But United’s ambition, if matched by decisiveness, could make Old Trafford the perfect platform for Cherki’s next step.