This summer is pivotal for Ruben Amorim if he is to be a success at Manchester United, with the manager needing to make his own impression on the first-team squad.
The Red Devils’ current Premier League standing of 13th highlights the need for change over the next few months to stop a similar feat from happening in the future.
Outgoings are most certainly needed at Old Trafford to raise funds for any potential new additions, especially considering the cost-cutting operations in place under Sir Jim Ratcliffe.
Numerous players on the club’s books are earning extortionate wages given their importance to the squad, with any departures likely to raise a huge amount for the wage budget.
Such money could be used to attract new talent, including one player who’s recently emerged on their radar, offering an end to their dismal record within one area of the pitch.
Man Utd make attacking target their top priority
According to Sun Sport, United are plotting a summer move for Udinese striker Lorenzo Lucca after his superb breakthrough season in Serie A throughout 2024/25.
The 24-year-old is in his second year with the Italian outfit but is enjoying his best campaign to date, notching 12 goals in 32 appearances across all competitions.
They aren’t the only side interested in a move for his signature, with fellow English side Nottingham Forest also in the race to land the 6”7 talisman this summer.
However, the report claims that Amorim’s side have made the Italian their top target for this summer – looking to bolster the attacking department ahead of 2025/26.
It would be yet another big-money addition to the club’s frontline, but he would certainly provide an upgrade on the options currently available at the manager’s disposal.
Why Lucca would be an upgrade on Hojlund & Zirkzee
Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee have failed to deliver at United this season, leading to rumours of a new striker moving to Old Trafford this summer.
The pair cost the club a combined £108m and have only managed to score a total of 14 goals between them in the 85 matches they’ve featured in throughout the current season.
Neither of the aforementioned forwards have managed to cement their place as the number one striker in the manager’s system, highlighting the need for added investment this window.
A move for Lucca would certainly improve the situation in the final third, offering an upgrade on the pair based on their respective figures throughout 2024/25.
The Italian, who’s been labelled “clinical” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, has managed to outscore the pair in their respective divisions, whilst also registering more shots on target per 90 – showcasing the threat he poses in attacking areas.
He’s also completed more take-ons per 90, whilst also winning more aerial duels, highlighting the all-round centre-forward play that United have desperately craved in recent months.
|
How Lucca compares to Hojlund & Zirkzee in 2024/25 |
|||
|---|---|---|---|
|
Statistics (per 90) |
Lucca |
Hojlund |
Zirkzee |
|
Games played |
29 |
25 |
30 |
|
Goals & assists |
11 |
3 |
4 |
|
Shots on target |
0.9 |
0.5 |
0.6 |
|
Take-on success |
52% |
28% |
27% |
|
Aerials won |
2.1 |
1.2 |
1.3 |
|
Aerial success rate |
45% |
22% |
28% |
|
Fouls won |
2 |
1.4 |
0.8 |
|
Stats via FBref |
|||
Whilst the club may face competition for his signature in the coming months, it’s evident that Lucca would be a superb option for Amorim – allowing the manager to have a reliable goalscorer at Old Trafford.
£25m in today’s market could be a potential bargain, having the potential to improve further down the line given his tender age, with his play style perfect for the Premier League.
A potential sale for Hojlund and Zirkzee could follow to make room for Lucca’s arrival, with the Red Devils having to take a huge loss on the fee paid for their respective signatures.
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