Christopher Nkunku to Man Utd spells DOOM for two players

Robin Bairner

11 Nov 2024 12:45 GMT
3 min read

Christopher Nkunku, Man Utd, 2024/25 — © IMAGO

Manchester United have been linked with a sensational January transfer move for Chelsea attacker Christopher Nkunku in a deal that could cause a major shake-up to the Old Trafford club.

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Although Blues boss Enzo Maresca once referred to the France international as his “best player”, Nkunku has grown increasingly peripheral at Stamford Bridge, leaving United to believe that there is a possibility of adding him to Ruben Amorim’s squad in just a matter of weeks.

There’s a lot to like about the deal from the perspective of United. He is, after all, an Amorim-type player.

Nkunku has the profile of a forward ideal for Amorim’s football. He’s an adept dribbler and capable of playing as one of the two inside forwards in what is likely to be a new 3-4-3 system at Old Trafford. As Chelsea’s top scorer this season, he also provides the type of firepower that the Red Devils have lacked this season.

At 26, he carries with him some top-level experience yet he’s still to peak.

But while this is a transfer that can clearly elevate Man Utd, it spells the beginning of the end for at least one of two players.

Current ETV

Christopher Nkunku

F (C), M (CL)

Chelsea

Christopher Nkunku

F (C), M (CL)

Chelsea

ETV Range

€22.9M - €38.2M

Nkunku in: Who leaves?

Joshua Zirkzee is one of those who is liable to suffer. The Netherlands star scored on debut against Fulham but has thereafter looked out of his depth.

Of course, he has often been used as a central forward as opposed to in his preferred position just behind the striker, but with Bruno Fernandes and, increasingly, Amad Diallo ahead of him in the pecking order, it’s already difficult to see how substantial a role he can play in the new regime.

© IMAGO - Joshua Zirkzee has had a difficult start to life at Old Trafford

Similarly, Marcus Rashford is now playing for his future. While there’s a school of thought that he could be perfect for Amorim’s football, his form over the last 18 months unsurprisingly leaves Man Utd looking at alternative options.

Rashford, remember, has only 12 goals in all competitions since the beginning of 2023/24, just eight of which have come in the Premier League and two of which have been penalties.

While Chelsea are unlikely to readily sell Nkunku, particularly to a rival club, the very fact that he is being discussed – and the fact there is the possibility of a deal – suggests that the clock is already ticking for Rashford and Zirkzee.