Recherche d'un attaquant pour Man United : 6 alternatives potentielles

Manchester United are on the hunt for a new centre-forward. Not exactly breaking news, is it?

The Red Devils have been scanning the footballing world in pursuit of their next prolific marksman, with names like Viktor Gyökeres, Victor Osimhen, and Benjamin Šeško among the expected candidates. However, with time ticking on in the transfer window, United seem increasingly open to exploring more unconventional avenues.

Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins has recently been linked, and even former Everton forward Dominic Calvert-Lewin has emerged as a possible alternative. Should United be willing to approach the problem with some ingenuity, there are a number of strikers across Europe and beyond who warrant serious consideration by the decision-makers at Old Trafford.

Here are six under-the-radar attacking options who could make a real difference at Manchester United.

Mateo Retegui

Another striker from Atalanta—what could possibly go wrong?

Manchester United took a calculated gamble on potential when they secured the services of Rasmus Højlund from the Serie A side in a deal worth up to £72 million back in 2023. At the time, Højlund had recorded 10 goals in 34 matches the season prior. By contrast, Mateo Retegui has just notched 28 goals in his debut campaign with Atalanta.

A virtual unknown during his days in Argentina two years ago, Retegui has made a spectacular impression in Europe. The 26-year-old has showcased an efficient and versatile attacking game, delivering both goals and assists during his time in Italy.

Retegui stands out particularly for his clinical finishing. While his movement, link-up play, and surprisingly strong aerial game all impress, it is his ability to consistently hit the back of the net that makes him a standout candidate. There is no need to hope he’ll come good—he already is.

Serhou Guirassy

Scouts across the continent have long been aware of Serhou Guirassy’s impressive goalscoring record. Having represented four clubs over six years, he has gradually climbed the ranks and now appears to have broken into elite-level football thanks to his performances with Borussia Dortmund.

A sensational hat-trick against Barcelona helped Guirassy finish the Champions League campaign as joint-top scorer with 13 goals. Add to that his 21 goals in the Bundesliga and four more at the Club World Cup, and he ends the season with 38 goals in 50 appearances across all competitions—a tally that simply cannot be ignored.

At 29 years old, Guirassy does not align perfectly with Manchester United’s long-term rebuilding plans. Yet, this should not serve as a deterrent. What the team needs most urgently is a consistent goalscorer—someone in the mould of Robert Lewandowski or Harry Kane, both of whom continue to deliver well into their 30s.

Though not a flashy name, Guirassy’s ability to let his performances speak louder than any headline makes him an underrated but valuable option.

Vangelis Pavlidis

Much like Guirassy, Vangelis Pavlidis has operated largely out of the limelight. After a steady four-year spell in the Eredivisie, he exploded in 2023–24 with 33 goals in 46 matches for AZ Alkmaar, earning a £17.3 million move to Benfica.

Since arriving in Portugal, Pavlidis has continued to shine. In his debut season, he registered 30 goals and 13 assists—numbers made even more impressive by the style in which they were achieved.

Pavlidis offers a near-complete forward package. He is a prolific finisher, tireless worker, aerial threat, and creative force, all built around the physical attributes necessary to compete in the Premier League. The 26-year-old is as comfortable driving down the wings as he is holding off defenders or powering through one-on-one situations.

With a £86.3 million release clause in his contract, negotiations with Benfica would be tough—but undoubtedly worth the effort.

Simon Banza

Simon Banza may come across as a raw talent at times, which at nearly 29 years of age is a minor concern. However, what he brings to the pitch makes him a name worth considering.

His biggest asset is his attacking awareness. Banza consistently finds himself in the right place at the right time, with the right touch to send the ball home—evoking comparisons to Erling Haaland in both physicality and finishing technique.

Banza bagged 21 goals in 28 appearances for Braga in 2023–24 before taking it up a notch on loan at Trabzonspor. His success across different leagues is proof of his adaptability and confirms his credentials as a proven scorer.

With a reasonable asking price and a record of reliable output, Banza would represent a shrewd investment for any Premier League side.

Jean-Philippe Mateta

If Manchester United are after a forward who has already proven his credentials in the Premier League, Jean-Philippe Mateta could be the man.

Leading the line for an inconsistent Crystal Palace side, Mateta scored 14 goals last term. While that figure might not excite fans hoping for blockbuster numbers, it does reflect the consistent output of a striker who understands the challenges of England’s top flight—something United’s recent forwards have often struggled with.

Mateta thrives in a 3-4-2-1 formation, particularly under Oliver Glasner, where he benefits from having multiple runners around him. His game suits a system that encourages forward movement, rather than one that demands he play with his back to goal.

With just one year remaining on his contract, Mateta may be available for a reasonable fee, making him a cost-effective yet reliable option for the Red Devils.

Promise David

There is an element of risk involved in signing Promise David. The Canadian striker was playing in Estonia as recently as 2023–24 and has just one season of top-flight Belgian football under his belt. However, the 24-year-old has already shown enough potential to merit a closer look.

Standing at 6’5″, David is a physical specimen, but what sets him apart is his agility and ball control—traits not usually associated with players of his stature. He combines raw pace with intelligent passing and excellent ball retention, often playing as though he’s unaware of his towering frame.

Having seamlessly adapted from Estonia to Belgium, expecting a similarly smooth transition to the Premier League may be optimistic. Still, David appears to possess the traits of a future star—potentially just one move away from commanding a nine-figure transfer fee.

Can United afford to give him time to develop? Possibly not. But pairing him with a more senior striker could ease the transition and unlock his full potential.