As Manchester United prepare for a pivotal summer transfer window, the hunt for a new striker has taken centre stage. With Rasmus Hojlund struggling to adapt to the Premier League and Joshua Zirkzee yet to fully convince, Ruben Amorim is determined to bolster his attacking options. Atalanta’s Mateo Retegui has emerged as a prime target, with the Argentine-born Italian international enjoying a breakout season in Serie A. However, as United weigh up their options, questions remain about whether Retegui is the right fit to lead the line at Old Trafford.
Retegui’s Rise to Prominence
Mateo Retegui’s ascent to the top of United’s wishlist is no surprise given his remarkable form this season. The 24-year-old has been a revelation for Atalanta, scoring 23 goals in 33 appearances across all competitions. His standout performance came in a four-goal masterclass against Hellas Verona, a display that showcased his clinical finishing, intelligent movement, and ability to thrive under pressure.
Retegui’s journey to Serie A stardom has been unconventional. After starting his career in Argentina with Boca Juniors and Tigre, he moved to Europe last summer, joining Atalanta from Genoa for €28 million. Despite the hefty price tag, Retegui has more than justified the investment, establishing himself as one of the most lethal strikers in Italy. His ability to score goals in a variety of ways—whether through poacher’s finishes, powerful headers, or long-range strikes—makes him a versatile and dangerous forward.
Why United Need a New Striker
United’s need for a reliable goal scorer is glaring. Hojlund, signed with high expectations last summer, has managed just two goals in 19 Premier League appearances, struggling to cope with the physicality and pace of English football. Zirkzee, while showing flashes of promise, remains an unproven commodity at the highest level. With Marcus Rashford’s future uncertain and Anthony Martial’s time at the club seemingly over, Amorim is under pressure to address the glaring lack of firepower in his squad.
Retegui’s prolific form has made him an attractive option, but his potential arrival would not come cheap. With his contract running until 2028, Atalanta are under no pressure to sell, and United could face stiff competition from Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain, both of whom are reportedly monitoring the striker’s situation. A bidding war could drive the price tag well beyond the €50 million mark, raising questions about whether Retegui represents value for money.
Competition and Alternatives
While Retegui is a compelling option, United are keeping their options open. Amorim is said to be keen on reuniting with Viktor Gyokeres, the Swedish striker who has been in sensational form for Sporting CP this season. Gyokeres, who worked with Amorim during his time in Portugal, has a proven track record in European football and could offer a more seamless transition to the Premier League.
Napoli’s Victor Osimhen is another name on United’s radar. The Nigerian striker, who has been linked with a move to Old Trafford for several windows, is one of the most sought-after forwards in Europe. However, his €120 million release clause makes him a prohibitively expensive option, even for a club of United’s resources.
Closer to home, Dominic Calvert-Lewin has been mentioned as a potential target, with the Everton striker available on a free transfer this summer. While Calvert-Lewin’s Premier League experience is an asset, his injury record and inconsistent form make him a risky proposition for a club with title aspirations.
The Rashford and Zirkzee Conundrum
United’s striker search is further complicated by the uncertain futures of Marcus Rashford and Joshua Zirkzee. Rashford, who joined Aston Villa on loan in January, has an option for a permanent £40 million move this summer. While his departure would free up funds and squad space, it would also leave United without one of their most experienced forwards.
Zirkzee, meanwhile, could be used as a makeweight in a deal for Juventus midfielder Douglas Luiz. The Dutch striker has shown glimpses of his potential, but his inconsistency has led to doubts about his long-term future at Old Trafford. If both Rashford and Zirkzee depart, United would be left with a significant void to fill, adding urgency to their pursuit of a new striker.
Our View: A Gamble Worth Taking?
Retegui’s potential arrival at Old Trafford is an intriguing prospect, but it is not without risk. While his goal-scoring record in Serie A is impressive, the Premier League presents a unique set of challenges, as Hojlund’s struggles have demonstrated. Retegui’s ability to adapt to the physicality and intensity of English football will be crucial if he is to succeed at United.
Moreover, the club’s pursuit of Retegui raises questions about their broader transfer strategy. While he is a talented player, he is not the marquee, world-class striker many fans are hoping for. If United are serious about challenging for major honours, they may need to aim higher, even if it means breaking the bank for a player like Osimhen or Gyokeres.
Ultimately, Retegui represents a gamble – one that could pay off handsomely if he replicates his Serie A form in the Premier League, but one that could also backfire if he struggles to adapt. With Arsenal and PSG also in the mix, United will need to act decisively if they are to secure his signature.
A Pivotal Summer Ahead
As United prepare for a summer of significant change, the striker position remains a top priority. Whether Retegui, Gyokeres, Osimhen, or another target emerges as the chosen one, the decision will have far-reaching implications for Amorim’s rebuild. With the futures of Rashford and Zirkzee still up in the air, United’s attacking overhaul promises to be one of the most closely watched stories of the transfer window.
For now, Retegui’s name is at the forefront of the conversation. Whether he becomes the next great United striker or another cautionary tale remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the pressure is on Amorim and the club’s hierarchy to get this decision right. The future of Manchester United’s attack – and perhaps their entire project – depends on it.
