Manchester United
Manchester United’s Strategic Pursuit of Alexander Isak as No. 9 Reinforcement
Manchester United target Alexander Isak as their ideal striker to lead the attack in 2025/26.
Manchester United have notably strengthened their attacking options this summer with signings like Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo. Together, they provided 49 league goals and assists last season for Wolverhampton Wanderers and Brentford, respectively. Coach Ruben Amorim’s projected 3-4-2-1 formation positions both as attacking midfielders, potentially placing Bruno Fernandes in a central midfield role. However, United’s priority remains a prolific striker to lead the frontline.
Alexander Isak emerges as the ideal target. His 23 Premier League goals in 2024–25 rank second only to Mohamed Salah, ahead of Erling Haaland. This follows a previous 21-goal season, signalling consistent top-flight performance. Isak combines height, pace, clinical finishing, and work rate, complementing Cunha and Mbeumo behind him effectively. Notably, his dominance over Liverpool in the Carabao Cup final adds appeal for United supporters.
The club initially eyed Liam Delap, an England Under-21 forward, but the similarities in style and development stage to current striker Rasmus Højlund made this less attractive. Højlund, despite showing promise with 16 league goals hindered by injuries, remains raw. In contrast, Isak, turning 26 in September, represents a more complete and ready option who could relieve pressure on the younger Dane.
Depth is a critical issue; with Joshua Zirkzee’s preferred No. 10 role and Højlund’s inconsistency, United lack a robust No. 9 backup. Isak’s move, once a distant hope, now seems feasible as he reportedly declined Newcastle’s lucrative contract extension. Liverpool and Arsenal’s focus on other high-cost forwards suggests they may have deprioritized Isak, leaving United as strong contenders.
Financially, United face constraints after a £133.5 million investment in Cunha and Mbeumo. Yet, potential sales of players like Marcus Rashford (loan to Barcelona with wages covered), Jadon Sancho, Antony, Alejandro Garnacho, and Tyrell Malacia could raise close to £100 million, facilitating a record-breaking deal for Isak. Such a strategic acquisition aligns with United’s historic philosophy of securing proven Premier League talents to rejuvenate their squad.
Manchester United
Amorim Praises Manchester United’s Pre-Season Progress; Mount Targets European Return
Amorim welcomes focused pre-season as Mount targets Champions League return for Man United.
Ruben Amorim expressed satisfaction with Manchester United’s pre-season preparations as the club aims to recover from a difficult 2024–25 season. Since his arrival in early November to replace Erik ten Hag, Amorim has faced challenges implementing his tactical approach due to limited training time and ongoing midweek European fixtures. This summer, free from major international tournaments, has allowed for extensive work on the pitch. “We, as a team, need more time on the pitch, not just for the physical or tactical aspect, but the bond between [the players]. You build that during the week, with time on the [training] pitch. So, I’m really happy with that,” said Amorim.
For the first time since the 2014–15 campaign, Manchester United will not compete in European football. Mason Mount, who joined from Chelsea in 2023, underscored the importance of reclaiming a UEFA competition spot. “Europe is a massive, massive thing for us,” he said during the first pre-season tour in Chicago. “The Champions League would be amazing for us and as a group we want to be playing in that competition. But I’d say Europe. I think that’s the focus.”
Mount has battled injury setbacks since joining United, missing 23 games last season and 27 the season before. However, he returned strongly at the close of last term, making a full run of appearances in April and May. “At the end of last season, getting back and feeling really, really good, playing some games and scoring some goals was obviously very important for me,” Mount reflected. “I still want to kick on. Any time you do get that opportunity to be on the pitch, you want to do something, you want to affect the game. That’s always the way I’ve looked at it.”
Arsenal
Dominic Solanke Doubts Manchester United’s Top Four Prospects for 2025–26
Dominic Solanke predicts Manchester United will miss out on the Premier League top four in 2025–26.
Tottenham Hotspur striker Dominic Solanke has expressed skepticism over Manchester United’s chances of securing a top-four finish in the Premier League for the 2025–26 season. Speaking on DA4P’s YouTube channel, Solanke provided his predictions for the teams likely to qualify for the Champions League spots.
Solanke confidently included Tottenham first in his top-four forecast, followed by Liverpool and Manchester City. When questioned about Manchester United’s potential to challenge for a Champions League position next term, Solanke simply replied, “nah,” instead opting to include Arsenal as a contender.
This blunt verdict reflects the ongoing struggles faced by the Red Devils, who endured a difficult previous season. While Solanke’s confidence in Tottenham’s qualification might raise some eyebrows—given their 17th-place finish last season—his assessment of Manchester United aligns with widespread doubts about their immediate recovery under Ruben Amorim’s management.
Solanke’s straightforward response underlines the challenges ahead for Manchester United, suggesting the club faces another challenging campaign outside Europe’s elite competition.
Manchester United
Matheus Cunha Embraces the Challenge of His Manchester United Move
Matheus Cunha views his Man Utd transfer pressure as a privilege and embraces the challenge ahead.
Matheus Cunha, the latest Manchester United signing, has openly welcomed the pressure accompanying his high-profile transfer to Old Trafford. The Brazilian international recognizes the intense scrutiny the club attracts and views it as an opportunity rather than a burden.
Cunha expressed, “I really think the pressure on this club is not really pressure. It’s a privilege because this is one of the biggest clubs in the world.”
His decision to join United was motivated by the project’s appeal and the chance to be part of something significant. “When Ruben came to me and showed me the project, I felt like it’s a challenge I want to do for my career. United is a club I needed to be at, and like I say it’s a big privilege.”
The forward also highlighted United as his dream destination, having turned down multiple offers this summer to commit to the club. “It’s my dream club. This is what the question is, you know. It’s my dream club. When I had the first meeting with Ruben, I feel like they started to build something very important. And of course, I want to be part of this.”
Meanwhile, United has strengthened its roster further with the acquisition of Bryan Mbeumo. On the outgoing front, Marcus Rashford recently moved on loan to Barcelona. Other players like Antony, Alejandro Garnacho, Jadon Sancho, and Tyrell Malacia remain available for transfer, though manager Ruben Amorim has indicated a willingness to retain them if suitable offers are not received.
