Manchester United enter the new season carrying the burden of one of the most disappointing attacking returns in their modern history. With only 44 goals scored in the 2023–24 Premier League campaign, a figure that marked their lowest top-flight tally since the 1973–74 relegation season — concerns about the frontline have never been more justified. Despite this, the club has chosen not to prioritize signing a traditional number nine in the early summer window, instead focusing their efforts and a significant £127.5 million in transfer fees on acquiring Bryan Mbeumo from Brentford and Matheus Cunha from Wolves.
As United’s supporters and critics alike examine this strategy, one pressing question looms over Old Trafford: will the arrivals of Mbeumo and Cunha solve the scoring crisis, or is the absence of a proven central striker another costly oversight?
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— UF (@UtdFaithfuls) July 20, 2025
"Man Utd remain VERY ACTIVE on the striker and goalkeeper positions — two crucial parts of their summer transfer window." [@FabrizioRomano, YT] pic.twitter.com/tV2X7cSDfW
A Historic Dip: United’s Worst Premier League Scoring Return
The 2023–24 season was nothing short of disastrous for Man Utd in front of goal. With an average of just 1.15 goals per match, they not only finished outside the Champions League spots but also endured their poorest attacking campaign since the days of black-and-white television. What made matters worse was the lack of a consistent goal threat from the forward line. Rasmus Højlund, brought in from Atalanta for a £72 million fee, delivered a paltry four league goals. His expected goals (xG) tally of 5.2 suggests he was not only starved of opportunities but also failed to convert the few chances that did come his way.
Understudy Joshua Zirkzee contributed just three league goals. Meanwhile, other attacking assets like Antony, Garnacho, and Sancho oscillated between brief flashes of brilliance and prolonged periods of mediocrity. The collective output simply wasn’t good enough for a club aiming to challenge England’s elite.
Bryan Mbeumo: Proven Premier League Quality or One-Season Wonder?
Mbeumo’s arrival has sparked debate within the footballing world. At 25, the Cameroon international is coming off the most productive campaign of his career, scoring 20 Premier League goals — a feat surpassed only by Mohamed Salah, Alexander Isak, and Erling Haaland. More impressive, however, is that Mbeumo achieved this tally from an xG of just 12.3, meaning he outperformed expectations by 7.7 goals. This level of clinical finishing is rare and has only been replicated by a small handful of players in recent Premier League history.
But there are concerns. Prior to last season, Mbeumo had never hit double figures in a top-flight league. Was 2023–24 a statistical outlier, or the beginning of his true peak? Man Utd are betting heavily on the latter. His versatility adds another dimension — capable of playing as a right winger, attacking midfielder, or even centrally, Mbeumo fits into Rúben Amorim’s fluid attacking schemes. He combines tenacity off the ball with intelligent movement and strong link-up play, attributes that Man Utd have sorely lacked from their wide men.
Matheus Cunha: The Creative Catalyst?
Matheus Cunha, acquired from Wolves, brings a different profile. While not a prolific goalscorer, Cunha’s strength lies in his ability to progress the ball and break defensive lines with dribbling and passing. He registered numerous goal-creating actions last season and played a vital role in Wolves’ offensive build-up play. At Man Utd, he is expected to feature predominantly on the left side, where his ability to cut inside and operate in the half-spaces complements Mbeumo’s style on the opposite flank.
Together, Mbeumo and Cunha form a dual threat — one as a finisher, the other as a creator. Their synergy could breathe new life into a Man Utd attack that has too often looked disjointed, isolated, and devoid of imagination. But the elephant in the room remains the central striker position.
Rasmus Højlund: Gamble or Growing Pains?
When Højlund was signed for £72 million, much was made of his raw potential. Standing at 6’3″, with a solid frame, pace, and intelligent off-the-ball movement, the Danish striker appeared to have the makings of a modern-day number nine. But potential alone does not win matches. In his first full Premier League season, Højlund struggled to assert himself. His return of four goals was underwhelming, even accounting for the lack of service.
Still only 22, Højlund deserves time and patience. His limited goal output masks a more nuanced performance profile. He ranks favorably in aerial duels, pressing metrics, and intelligent runs per 90 minutes — data points that suggest he is doing much of the groundwork but not reaping the rewards. The hope within the United camp is that with better service from Mbeumo and Cunha, Højlund will begin to show why the club invested so heavily in him.
However, if Man Utd are truly to rejoin the elite, relying solely on hope may not be enough. There is a growing consensus among pundits and former players that another striker is needed — someone with a proven record, capable of delivering 20+ goals per season.
Failed Pursuits and Financial Realities
Manchester United’s unsuccessful attempt to sign Liam Delap, who ultimately chose Chelsea for £30 million, signals the club’s intent to reinforce the central striker position. But financial constraints are biting hard. The club’s inability to offload underperforming players and generate significant sales — aside from modest sell-on fees for Anthony Elanga and Alvaro Carreras — has left little room for high-profile additions.
Targets like Ollie Watkins remain out of reach without substantial outgoing transfers. Free agents such as Jamie Vardy or Dominic Calvert-Lewin are being considered, but neither offers a long-term solution. Watkins, for instance, would command a fee north of £60 million and a wage package that United may struggle to accommodate without breaking Financial Fair Play regulations.
Amorim’s Tactical Vision: A Forward Line Built on Movement and Versatility
New manager Rúben Amorim has already begun reshaping United’s tactical identity. Known for implementing a high-pressing 3-4-3 or 4-2-3-1 structure at Sporting CP, Amorim emphasizes fluid movement, positional interchange, and verticality. Mbeumo’s ability to press relentlessly, carry the ball through midfield, and score from wide areas fits neatly into this framework. Cunha’s creativity and vision align with Amorim’s preference for high-tempo transitions and intricate attacking patterns.
In theory, this setup allows United to overload central zones without fielding a traditional striker. But the risk lies in execution. Without a reliable central presence to occupy defenders and finish chances, the team could once again find itself with plenty of possession but minimal end product.
Data-Driven Justification: Mbeumo’s All-Round Threat
Beyond his goalscoring, Mbeumo excels in advanced metrics. He recorded the highest number of touches per 90 minutes among players with 15+ goals last season — highlighting his involvement beyond the box. He also ranked near the top for expected assists (xA), with a league-leading 9.3, demonstrating his creative output is not only consistent but sustainable.
His 17th-place finish in assists might appear modest, but in terms of chance creation and pre-assist movements, he consistently outperformed most wingers in the league. These are the types of metrics that suggest Mbeumo is far more than a one-season wonder — he’s an elite-level contributor in multiple attacking phases.
The Path Forward: Patience, Performance, and Proactivity
For Man Utd to overcome last season’s attacking malaise, a multifaceted approach is required. Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha undoubtedly improve the quality and depth of the squad. Their presence is expected to enhance the productivity of Højlund and Zirkzee, reduce reliance on underperforming wingers, and provide the kind of versatility and work ethic that Amorim demands.
But whether this new-look attack can consistently deliver goals remains to be seen. The club’s ambition to return to the Premier League’s top four — and eventually challenge for titles — hinges on converting possession into goals, creativity into chances, and potential into performance.
If Højlund takes the leap many expect, and if Mbeumo maintains his form under the pressure of Old Trafford, United may finally solve their striker conundrum. If not, the January window could see yet another push for a true number nine — and another round of difficult questions about the club’s recruitment strategy.
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🚨 Man Utd rekindle interest in Sesko for No.9 role after last year's failed attempt. Jackson and Watkins also in consideration. Signing a new striker is United's next priority.
— SimplyUtd (@SimplyUtd) July 20, 2025
[@JacobsBen] pic.twitter.com/7BZkEXXgCy
Conclusion
Manchester United’s decision to invest in proven but non-traditional goal contributors like Mbeumo and Cunha shows a belief in systemic change rather than quick fixes. While that approach brings long-term benefits, short-term results will define the success of this strategy. The burden now shifts to Amorim and his coaching staff to craft an attacking system where each piece of the puzzle works in harmony — and finally puts an end to United’s persistent goal-scoring woes.
