Hugo Ekitike to Man United transfer would unlock 'exciting' first summer signing

Manchester United signing Hugo Ekitike ahead of Chelsea and Liverpool this summer transfer window would move Ruben Amorim closer to having a completely new-look front line next season.

Matheus Cunha, after completing a transfer from Wolverhampton Wanderers on Thursday, confirmed the first step of that overhaul. United director of football Jason Wilcox describes the Brazil international as "one of the most exciting and productive forwards in England".

He "proved his ability to succeed in the Premier League" at Wolves, notably at Old Trafford in April. However, he is not a centre-forward, playing best as a second striker behind a focal point.

Jorgen Strand Larsen was that for him last season, holding up play with impressive control and touch at 6ft 4in. Ekitike, in comparison, is of similar stature, at an inch shorter.

The latter, however, is heralded for attacking crosses, cutting inside from the left channel and running into space behind defences akin to Alexander Isak. While there may not be as many opportunities for the latter at United as playing for Eintracht Frankfurt, the other two tendencies bode well for playing in the Premier League.

Being clocked as one of the quickest players in the Bundesliga last season can only help an often slow-looking United forward line. A dozen assists across all competitions last term also hint at a developing ability to link play.

That is what Cunha is due to bring, but complementing the forward like Strand Larsen would be a bonus for Ekitike, as well as being more of a threat in front of goal, scoring 22 times in his first full season for Eintracht. Cunha enjoyed the best season of his career while playing with the big Norwegian, who likewise had his second-best goalscoring