attack

Manchester United’s misfiring entrance line has grow to be the defining flaw of their dismal 2024/25 marketing campaign. With simply 39 targets in 34 Premier League matches, the crew finds itself languishing in 14th place, a stark reminder that custom counts for little when targets dry up. Amid the seek for scientific reinforcements, now experiences that Ademola Lookman is on the centre of United’s plans to revitalise their assault.

United’s Pursuit of Firepower Hits Acceleration

Christopher Vivell, United’s director of recruitment, is alleged to be main the cost for Lookman, whose 18 targets and 7 assists this season for Atalanta are unattainable to disregard. The Nigerian ahead has matured right into a devastating presence, mixing acceleration, decision-making and finish product with the form of consistency United’s forwards have sorely lacked.

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Whereas Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee have flattered to deceive — scoring a mixed seven targets in over 30 begins — Lookman has confirmed his value on each home and continental levels. His exploits helped Atalanta declare the Europa League title and propelled Nigeria to the AFCON remaining, culminating in a Ballon d’Or nomination.

United’s reported readiness to provoke talks speaks volumes. It additionally highlights simply how far the membership have drifted from the elite — they now look to gamers as soon as deemed surplus to necessities at Everton to resolve their issues. However it is a completely different Lookman now. As Atalanta boss Gian Piero Gasperini put it, he’s “a very extraordinary participant.”

European Competitors for Lookman Heats Up

Barcelona have already made contact, and several other Premier League sides — Chelsea, Liverpool, Newcastle, and Arsenal — are monitoring Lookman’s availability. With Atalanta putting a €60m–65m (£51m–£55m) price ticket on his head, the monetary dedication is not going to be minor. Juventus have already balked on the price, and it stays to be seen whether or not United would stretch their funds to compete with the elite for a participant who doesn’t naturally play as a central striker.

Photograph: IMAGO

Curiously, the pursuit of Wolves’ Matheus Cunha — whose £62.5m launch clause has made him one other summer time precedence — means that Lookman could also be seen as a complementary piece reasonably than a number one man.

Our View – EPL Index Evaluation

From a Manchester United fan’s perspective, this hyperlink to Ademola Lookman is a bittersweet one. On the one hand, there’s clear admiration for what he’s achieved — a late bloomer who’s constructed his sport overseas, proven consistency, and now boasts expertise in massive tournaments. United may use extra of that grit and know-how. He’s not flashy, however he’s efficient. Simply what’s wanted once you’ve bought attackers that may’t end their dinner.

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However on the flip facet, there’s fear that this might be one more case of United purchasing after the very fact — chasing a sizzling identify as a result of others are doing the identical. Lookman’s stats are nice, however is he actually the ahead to rework United into contenders once more? Or is he simply the best choice out there to plug one other season of underperformance?

Many followers would welcome his arrival if it alerts a broader tactical rethink. If he is available in alongside a correct no.9, with Cunha or one other inventive outlet behind, it feels extra like a reset reasonably than a panic purchase. However the membership wants readability, not simply one other thrilling identify to distract from deeper points.

Finally, Lookman is a threat — however a much more calculated one than most United have taken currently.