Manchester United are discovering the reality of their main transfer problem this summer

Manchester United's search for a striker this summer was never going to be easy or straightforward.

Just two-and-a-half weeks out from their opening game of their pre-season tour of the United States, United are in a race against time to ensure a new goal-getter makes their travelling squad.

After missing out on Liam Delap last month, Viktor Gyokeres was name-checked by no shortage of United supporters as the striker they should go after to strengthen the tip of their attack. Head coach Ruben Amorim worked with him at Sporting Lisbon and the Swede has scored 97 goals in the last two seasons.

However, Gyokeres wants to join Arsenal and a deal is on course to get over the line. Once again, United have been forced to go back to the drawing board.

United have expressed interest in Eintracht Frankfurt's Hugo Ekitike in recent weeks, impressed by his haul of 22 goals last season, but the German club's demands will make life difficult for the Reds. Jonathan David, another striker linked with United in recent months, has been snapped up by Juventus.

It means United are running out of options in their search for an elite-level goalscorer. David and Gyokeres are members of that category and were both attainable this summer.

However, a lack of European football for 2025/26 and financial constraints mean United are being forced to box clever. They have already spent £62.5million on Matheus Cunha and remain determined to sign Bryan Mbeumo from Brentford for a similar fee.

As a result of United's determination to strengthen their attack with three new faces, they have already reached a point where they are snookered. They need to oversee a crop of sales before advancing any further with their recruitment drive.

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