According to the ever-reliable Fabrizio Romano, Manchester United are currently engaged in internal discussions over a move for Benfica star Darwin Nunez, but face competition from the likes of Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur, and Liverpool.
The Uruguayan striker was also a target of West Ham United during the January transfer window, but they saw a €45 million deadline day offer rejected, and his value has since risen into the region of €70-80 million. It remains to be seen whether the Red Devils will land Nunez, but they will 100% sign a striker this summer.
Fabrizio Romano: Manchester United Internally Discussing Move for €70 Million Star
Would you be happy if we signed Darwin Nunez? #LFC pic.twitter.com/d5C75uKq2m
— The Anfield Talk (@TheAnfieldTalk) June 2, 2022
United’s Attacking Issues
Manchester United had a tough time of it during the 2021/22 season.
While there was much excitement surrounding what Ole Gunnar Solskjaer could do with a squad recently bolstered by the arrivals of Jadon Sancho, Raphael Varane, and Cristiano Ronaldo, the Norwegian manager saw a downturn in results after a promising start to the campaign and was sacked in November.
The appointment of Ralf Rangnick on a temporary basis didn’t solve any of their problems, and his term will now be shorter-lived than expected as he leaves without assuming the consultancy role that was initially agreed upon.
One of the most glaring issues for United last season was their lack of a potent attack.
Ronaldo was their top scorer and put in some fantastic performances, but it is by no means sustainable to be relying on a 37-year-old as your only constant source of goals.
Sancho has shown glimmers of hope but was unable to cement a regular place in the starting lineup, while the likes of Marcus Rashford, Anthony Martial, and Anthony Elanga have also failed to make a substantial impression. Alongside the loss of Mason Greenwood as well as Edinson Cavani‘s imminent departure when his contract expires, this means that United simply don’t have a focal point in their attack who will be there week in, week out.
How Darwin Nunez Could Help Erik ten Hag Solve His Problems up Front
This is where Nunez comes in. He scored 26 goals from 28 appearances in the Portuguese top-flight last season, and at just 22 years of age, he still has plenty of room to grow. His versatility across the front line could be useful too, with the Uruguayan able to play comfortably on the left-wing as well as in the centre of the attack.
Romano believes that Nunez would “solve a lot of problems” for United, and that certainly seems to be the case.
Should Erik ten Hag be able to bring out the best in the attackers he already has, signing the Benfica star would only add to his options which are already full of talent.
A potential trio of Rashford, Nunez, and Sancho could be devastating, providing pace to get in behind the opposition backline and the quality to finish their chances as well. With the extra option of Ronaldo to come off the bench in the most crucial moments as he so often does, this could be a front line for fans of the Red Devils to get excited about.
