Man United's dream attack after transfer overhaul

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Unless something drastic changes over the next week, those flocking to the Friends Arena in Stockholm to watch Manchester United's clash with Leeds United next Saturday will not have many new signings to feast their eyes on.

Despite making a flying start to this summer's window, announcing they had reached an agreement to sign Matheus Cunha 14 hours after it opened on June 1, progress has been slow at Old Trafford.

United have become bogged down in negotiations with Brentford over signing Bryan Mbeumo, meaning other objectives they want to try and complete this summer are yet to be properly explored.

The Reds have prioritised strengthening their attacking options after recording a negative goal difference for the second Premier League campaign running last term and the decision to commit £62.5million to the signing of Cunha has been applauded.

He scored 17 goals last season, meaning he will add a much-needed goal threat to United's attack. The club remains hopeful Mbeumo, who scored 20 Premier League goals in 2024/25, will soon join the Brazilian at Old Trafford.

However, United need to do more in the attacking department before the start of the season than just sign Mbeumo. With that said, MEN Sport has had a look at what deals United need to complete to revamp their forward line ahead of the big kick off.

Incomings

As already documented, United are still striving to reach an agreement with Brentford to sign Mbeumo. The 25-year-old has been the subject of two offers from the Reds and the second - understood to be in excess of £60m - looked as though it would be enough.

Both United and Mbeumo are equally keen to get the deal done. The attacker informed Brentford at the beginning of June that he wants to move to M16.

It is widely believed United want to sign Mbeumo to install him as their right-sided No.10. Cunha is expected to operate as the left-sided No.10, meaning United are looking to give their attack a completely new look.

(Image: Lee Parker - CameraSport via Getty Images.)

That, of course, is because the club remains determined to sign an out-and-out centre-forward. United need to invest in a reliable goalscorer this summer and the prospect of ending the summer without having recruited one could prove to be very costly.

Liam Delap was identified as United's primary striker target ahead of the start of the summer amid his £30m release clause at Ipswich Town, but he was snapped up by Chelsea. He held talks with United and other Premier League clubs before moving to Stamford Bridge.

Although missing out on Delap was not as big a blow as some suggested given he only has one full season of top flight football under his belt, it has had an impact on United's search for a No.9. They have been linked with the likes of Viktor Gyokeres, Victor Osimhen and several others, but they are not believed to have tabled a concrete offer for a goalscorer yet.

The problem United are facing, of course, is that they need to sell players to bring in new faces, and that has so far been easier said than done.

Outgoings

Missing out on Champions League qualification for 2025/26 has significantly reduced United's revenue streams, meaning they need to be smart this summer.

Having already spent £62.5m on Cunha and being prepared to spend possibly a little bit more on Mbeumo, United need to make their presence felt in the seller's market. Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Antony were identified as priority sales in May, while Alejandro Garnacho was informed he will be allowed to leave at the right price.

(Image: Jose Breton/Pics Action/NurPhoto via Getty Images.)

The quartet, alongside defender Tyrell Malacia, informed United last week they want to leave the club this summer to explore different opportunities, meaning both the players and the club are aligned in the direction they want to head in.

United value Rashford at £40m, Antony is available at £32.58m and Sancho is on offer for somewhere in the region of £20m-£25m. Garnacho is valued at north of £50m.

If United can command the aforementioned prices for those four players and get them off the books, it would go a long way towards boosting their chances of overseeing more incomings, both in attack and elsewhere in the squad.

Rasmus Hojlund, too, is not safe from the axe amid recent interest from Inter Milan. However, United may not be able to sanction an exit for him until they have the guarantee they can replace him.

Exits have never been so crucial at Old Trafford, meaning United need to hope and pray that clubs soon come knocking with offers.

United's dream attack after seven more transfers:

No.10 options: Amad, Kobbie Mainoo, Mason Mount, Bruno Fernandes, Joshua Zirkzee, Matheus Cunha & Bryan Mbeumo.

No.9 options: Chido Obi, new striker.

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