Striker chase: Man United should back what they have over panic buy
Published on Friday, 11 July 2025 at 3:35 am
The summer transfer window is often a period of fervent speculation and decisive action, particularly for a club of Manchester United's stature. Under the new INEOS regime, a significant overhaul is anticipated, with a new striker widely perceived to be at the very top of their agenda. The narrative suggests that Rasmus Hojlund, despite flashes of brilliance, and other potential targets like Joshua Zirkzee, did not collectively provide the prolific output required last season, leading to calls for a proven goalscorer. While Hojlund netted seven Premier League goals in his debut campaign and Zirkzee scored eleven in Serie A for Bologna, the combined tally from existing options or similar profiles has seemingly fueled the desire for an immediate, impactful upgrade. However, the smarter, more strategic play for INEOS might be to resist the urge for a knee-jerk reaction and instead invest in nurturing the talent already at their disposal.
Rasmus Hojlund's inaugural season at Old Trafford was a tale of two halves. Initially, he thrived in the Champions League, scoring five goals in his first five appearances, showcasing his power, pace, and predatory instincts. Yet, the Premier League proved a tougher nut to crack, with an extended goal drought before finding his rhythm in early 2024. This inconsistency was not solely down to the young Dane; he often operated in an isolated system, starved of consistent service from a misfiring midfield and injury-plagued wingers. The immense pressure of being United's primary striker at just 20 years old, combined with adapting to the relentless physicality of the English top flight, would challenge even the most seasoned forwards. To write off Hojlund after one season, especially one marred by collective squad issues and a significant injury spell, would be a short-sighted and potentially costly mistake. He possesses the raw attributes and the mentality to become a top striker; what he needs is a stable platform and consistent support, not a direct replacement.
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The concept of a "panic buy" looms large in United's recent history. Overpaying for an aging star past his primeor acquiring another unproven talent who doesn't quite fit the long-term visionhas often backfired. If the market dictates that only short-term fixes or speculative bets are available for significant feesINEOS should pivot their strategy. Instead of splashing vast sums on a striker who might offer only a marginal improvement or replicate Hojlund's developmental phasethose funds could be judiciously reallocated to more pressing areas of the squad. A dynamiccreative midfielder who can unlock defensesor a robustball-playing centre-back to solidify the foundationmight provide a greater net positive to Hojlund's output than a new forward
Source: yahoo
