Manchester United's summer priority was to bolster their attacking prowess.
Last season marked United's worst performance in the Premier League era, primarily due to their meager 44 goals—an average of 1.15 per game, the lowest since the 1973-74 season.
The anticipated £65 million acquisition of Bryan Mbeumo will elevate their expenditure on attacking talent this summer to £127.5 million, following Matheus Cunha's signing from Wolves.
However, with both players anticipated to play in number 10 roles, the question arises: Does the club require a new central striker, or can Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee thrive with enhanced support?
Chris Sutton, a Premier League winner with Blackburn Rovers, commented, "United need to strengthen their attack. Mbeumo is seen as a reliable option both in and out of possession, offering energy and goals."
"Mbeumo's fee reflects the going rate for a proven Premier League player. United seeks players with experience rather than developmental prospects. Mbeumo and Cunha fit this criteria."
"The question remains whether United still needs another number nine, given Hojlund's insufficient goal tally last season."
The End for Hojlund? Or a New Opportunity?
When United's challenging Premier League season concluded in May, the consensus was that their goal-scoring deficiency needed addressing. Many anticipated the signing of a new number nine.
The club's pursuit of Liam Delap, who ultimately joined Chelsea for £30 million, indicated similar sentiments at Old Trafford.
Now, having spent over £120 million on two new additions who are more suited to playing behind a main forward, questions arise about whether they will recruit a number nine or persist with Hojlund.
The latter option is financially motivated, as they need to generate funds for further recruitment. So far, aside from sell-on clauses for Anthony Elanga and Alvaro Carreras, they have not succeeded.
A significant offer for Aston Villa's Ollie Watkins seems unlikely, and free agents like the injury-prone Dominic Calvert-Lewin and veteran Jamie Vardy present notable risks.
Despite initial skepticism, United's recruitment team, under Erik ten Hag, authorized a £72 million fee to acquire Hojlund from Atalanta, citing his "huge potential."
However, Hojlund has yet to fulfill that promise, scoring only four league goals last season, while understudy Zirkzee managed three.
Hojlund's goals came from opportunities worth merely 5.2 expected goals, highlighting the lack of chances he received or created.
Sutton remarked, "United hasn't provided him with enough opportunities. Yet, one must question whether he has performed well enough. Has he ever been a prolific goalscorer? This doubt persists among United fans."
Despite his potential and positive attitude, United faces a dilemma. With Carreras joining Real Madrid, are they prepared to give up on Hojlund?
Hojlund's contract runs until 2028, and selling him now would not recoup the initial investment.
As the Premier League opener against Arsenal approaches, United faces significant questions about whether to sign another number nine or hope Hojlund excels alongside Cunha and Mbeumo.
'Mbeumo Will Be Expected to Perform Straight Away'
Regardless of United's striker decision, the addition of Mbeumo and Cunha undeniably boosts their attacking strength.
Last season, only Liverpool's Mohamed Salah, Newcastle's Alexander Isak, and Manchester City's Erling Haaland surpassed Mbeumo's 20 Premier League goals.
It was his first season reaching double figures for a top-flight club, and his expected goals (xG) statistic of 12.3, outperformed by 7.7 goals, will be challenging to replicate.
In the past five Premier League seasons, only 14 players have exceeded their xG by five goals or more.
Sutton stated, "Mbeumo excelled at Brentford, but playing for Manchester United presents different expectations. He must perform immediately."
"His experience, finishing ability, and versatility are assets. He can play as a central striker or on the wing, cutting inside from the right."
"However, he has only had one outstanding season, so the question remains whether he can maintain that level."
Mbeumo is valued not only for his goals but also for his versatility, preferring to play on the right behind a striker, with Cunha expected on the left.
He led in touches per 90 minutes for players with over 15 goals last season, demonstrating his involvement in play and ranking among the league's best ball carriers.
While he was 17th in top assisters with seven, he led the Premier League in expected assists with 9.3 xA.
Alongside Cunha's creativity, this bodes well for whoever fills the central striker role.
Sutton added, "United seeks consistency in forward positions, which has been lacking with players like Alejandro Garnacho or Antony."
"They may be looking for an experienced, reliable player like Mbeumo, who fits Ruben Amorim's system and offers proven Premier League quality."
"Amorim desires a harmonious team and consistent performers, not those who fluctuate in performance."
"Mbeumo's contributions could be crucial. Solving this aspect is essential for United to challenge at the top of the table."
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