Man Utd's striker shambles: Zirkzee dream, Gyokeres push, Kolo Muani threat

Tom Weber

• Updated: 2 Jan 2025 19:16 GMT
• 3 min read

Manchester United's striker situation is a complete shambles and it is looking increasingly unlikely that they will be able to resolve the mess in January.

Having lost four games on the bounce, Man Utd are in turmoil and hit their nadir against Newcastle on Monday. Both Joshua Zirkzee and Rasmus Hojlund started the game and yet the Red Devils looked completely tame and out of their depth.

Zirkzee was hooked after just 33 minutes to a gut-wrenching chorus of boos, which has prompted club legend Rio Ferdinand to say that his 'heart goes out' to the Dutchman.

His nightmare game against Newcastle has increased speculation surrounding his future, with Zirkzee having failed to have an impact during his six months at Old Trafford.

Man Utd clearly need a striker, preferably in January, but there is no clarity on who could actually join them.

Man Utd's striker shambles

First and foremost, Man Utd need to raise funds through sales and Zirkzee is a likely candidate, though he is apparently keen to fight for his place.

Thursday's print edition of Corriere dello Sport has a front-page spread describing Zirkzee as Juventus' 'dream' target this month, but Italian journalist Alfredo Pedulla states that 'Juve like [Randal] Kolo Muani at least as much as Zirkzee.'

Kolo Muani, of course, has also been linked with Man Utd, so this claim may set alarm bells ringing. Juventus signing the Frenchman would preclude the exit of Zirkzee unless a different taker can be found.

In Turkey, Man Utd have been described as the club most active in the pursuit of Victor Osimhen, but the player informed them that he is not planning to cut his loan at Galatasaray short.

On Wednesday, reports surfaced claiming that Ruben Amorim, who previously insisted that he would not sign Sporting CP players in January, had begun demanding Man Utd move for Viktor Gyokeres this month.

However, with no money to spend, Man Utd can't trigger his €100 million release clause and Sporting will only settle for less in the summer, which means that a move for the Swede is also off the table.

Finally, CaughtOffside covers Man Utd's interest in Matheus Cunha, but he is another player who would undoubtedly be very expensive in January.

With all these rumours swirling about, it is difficult to get a clear picture of Man Utd's real plans. But one thing is clear, signing a reliable striker will be an incredibly challenging task this month.