26 Jun 2026 18:05 BST |
5 min read
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Manchester United could target an experienced Premier League striker this summer to provide competition to Benjamin Sesko, with a number of players on the club’s radar.
United are looking to make major changes to their squad as they return to the Champions League next season in a new era under now-permanent boss Michael Carrick.
Although the club’s priority remains a midfielder such as Mateus Fernandes, transfer reporter Ben Jacobs suggested United could look towards experienced players such as Danny Welbeck, Ivan Toney or a proven Premier League scorer like Igor Thiago.
Jacobs told The United Stand: “My feeling is that if they go for a number nine, it will more likely be a more experienced name and somebody that can really be a strong positive dressing room influence and come in during a long season, knowing that they maybe won’t play every single game.
“We have spoken before about how popular it might be to bring someone back like Danny Welbeck. Nothing is necessarily developing there yet but if they give that due consideration, the fanbase will probably like that. But I don’t think he’s a player that Brighton would want to sell.”
“Ivan Toney is a name that I’ve mentioned before, who Man United appreciate. Wage is partially an issue there because he’s earning well in Saudi Arabia. Let’s see what happens after the World Cup with Toney and if he is prepared to leave Saudi because despite constant rumours that he wants out, I’ve always been told that at football level and family level, he’s quite happy there.
“In Igor Thiago there is some appreciation there, but it’s not like it’s moving at this stage. And I don’t know what any valuation or price tag or appetite to sell would be given the season that he’s had.”
Man Utd eyeing experienced depth signing in attack
United will confirm the signing of Ederson from Atalanta as their first summer signing once the Brazilian completes his involvement at the 2026 World Cup and an additional midfielder is also being targeted, with Felix Nmecha of Dortmund the latest name suggested.
Attention will then likely switch to a left winger, while a left-sided defender is also being considered, at which point United may then look towards an experienced striker to add depth.
“There’s certainly names in the Premier League or with proven Premier League experience and some of them are a bit older that Manchester United are starting to assess,” Jacobs said.
“And it’s kind of shifted from young names who maybe they thought could come in and be one for the future like Sesko, versus now thinking what perhaps they require in profile is a more proven Premier League player that could come in maybe as a squad player ahead of a long and hopefully very successful season.”
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