Manchester United are looking to strengthen Michael Carrick‘s attacking options before the transfer window slams shut and have made an approach for a new attacking player.
The Red Devils began the new Premier League campaign with hopes of building on last season’s third-place finish, but their opening weekend could hardly have gone much worse.
Carrick’s side suffered a shock 2-0 defeat away to newly-promoted Hull City, with goals from Semi Ajayi and Nobel Mendy leaving United in the bottom three after the opening weekend.
There were problems throughout the side, but United’s attacking display was concerning. Carrick started Matheus Cunha through the middle, with Bryan Mbeumo operating from the right, but neither could provide the focal point United required.
Marcus Rashford was introduced at half time, while Benjamin Sesko was also among the substitutes after only recently returning to training.
|
Player |
Main role |
Centre-forward situation |
|
Benjamin Sesko |
Centre-forward |
United’s most natural No.9 and scored 12 times in his debut season, but his absence leaves Carrick without a similar profile. |
|
Joshua Zirkzee |
Centre-forward / second striker |
Another recognised central option, although he has become a peripheral member of the squad. |
|
Bryan Mbeumo |
Right winger / forward |
Can move centrally but has predominantly made his name attacking from the right. |
|
Matheus Cunha |
Forward / left winger |
Capable of playing as a No.9 or false nine, but has also regularly been deployed from wider areas. |
|
Marcus Rashford |
Left winger / forward |
Offers pace through the middle and can play centrally, although his natural game is more suited to attacking from the left. |
United’s summer business has predominantly strengthened elsewhere, with Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos arriving to bolster midfield, with a move for Brighton’s Carlos Baleba also thought to be close.
However, there has now been an intriguing development involving one of Europe’s emerging young goalscorers.
Man Utd make approach for Nicolo Tresoldi
According to reports from Belgium, relayed by The Metro, Manchester United have made an approach regarding a potential deal for Club Brugge striker Nicolo Tresoldi.
The 22-year-old has attracted considerable interest following an outstanding campaign in Belgium and there has been contact from those at Old Trafford.
Tresoldi scored 23 goals for Club Brugge last season, including a league-high 19 goals in the Belgian Pro League, establishing himself as one of the most productive young strikers in Europe.
Barcelona have also been tracking the forward, but United and Chelsea have made their first move. The Belgian side are thought to value Tresoldi at somewhere between €40m and €50m, meaning the bidding will likely start around £40m.
Born in Cagliari, Italy, Tresoldi is the son of former Italian defender Emanuele Tresoldi and is also eligible to represent Argentina.
He moved to Germany as a youngster and developed through Hannover 96’s academy, eventually making his senior breakthrough with the club.
Tresoldi recorded 14 goals across 80 appearances for Hannover before Club Brugge paid around €7.5m to bring him to Belgium in 2025. His form has also placed him on the fringes of Germany’s senior side and some exciting comparisons have emerged.
Football talent scout Jacek Kulig has previously compared aspects of Tresoldi’s game to legendary Barcelona and Liverpool striker Luis Suarez. Tresoldi is an aggressive penalty-box striker who is constantly looking for opportunities to finish, but he isn’t restricted to simply waiting between the posts.
His mobility and technical quality to combine with his teammates are also strong attributes, while his ability in the air is another strength. Tresoldi scored against Barcelona and Atletico Madrid in the Champions League last season, so he could give Carrick another solid option in the final third.
Sesko is a genuine focal point, but Cunha, Mbeumo and Rashford all arguably look more comfortable when given the freedom to attack from wider positions rather than being asked to play centrally.
At 22, Tresoldi wouldn’t need to immediately replace Sesko either. Instead, Carrick could have two young natural centre-forwards competing for minutes while retaining the flexibility to use Cunha, Rashford and Mbeumo in their preferred areas.
