Manchester United battling Arsenal for striker admired by Jose Mourinho

The Red Devils are expected to pursue a striker, considering Rasmus Hojlund’s struggles.

Ruben Amorim Manchester United
Image Credits: GETTY IMAGES

Manchester United continue to be linked with potential striker signings ahead of the summer.

The club has always been known for great goalscorers, from Eric Cantona to Wayne Rooney.

However, the current attack is struggling, lacking both creativity and end product.

Sunday’s 1-0 defeat to Tottenham left United with just 28 goals in 25 league games.

Rasmus Hojlund’s struggle for good performances is a concern, and Joshua Zirkzee is seen more as a No. 10.

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That makes signing another striker a key priority for Ruben Amorim this summer.

Dusan Vlahovic has been linked as he nears the final year of his Juventus contract.

Now, a surprise name has emerged as a target for United and Arsenal.

Report from Turkish outlet Sabah, suggest United are tracking Fenerbahce striker Youssef En-Nesyri.

The Moroccan joined Fenerbahce last summer in a €20m (£16.5m) move from Sevilla.

Since then, he has impressed under Jose Mourinho, scoring 23 goals in all competitions.

United fans may remember him from the 1-1 Europa League draw earlier this season.

United previously considered signing En-Nesyri under Erik ten Hag in January 2024.

No deal materialised then, but the club has reignited its interest after his strong season.

Jose Mourinho’s assessment on En-Nesyri

Jose Mourinho has publicly defended En-Nesyri following early criticism of the transfer.

Some fans and media questioned the price, and there was talk of a January sale.

However, Mourinho insisted he always had faith in the striker’s ability.

“I think his form has to do with time,” Mourinho told beIN SPORTS.

“He arrived without a pre-season and wasn’t fit to play 90 minutes.

“He also didn’t play much alongside Edin Dzeko at first, but that changed.

“When you criticised him, I trusted him. Myself and our sporting director were criticised.

“The club was criticised for paying too much, and there was talk of selling him to Saudi Arabia.”

The striker did of course end up staying at Fenerbahce, and has scored in each of his last five games.

En-Nesyri staying now looks like a decision that very much paid off.

“But we are seeing what kind of player he is now.

“He has 15 league goals without penalties, plus goals in Europe and the cup.

“He is performing very well at the moment,” Mourinho added.

United may now test Fenerbahce’s resolve, but Mourinho will demand a big fee.

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