Manchester United can copy Liverpool and Arsenal transfer template with Matheus Cunha signing

When Rasmus Hojlund leads Manchester United's attack against Athletic Bilbao on Thursday night, it won't be as a direct result of his last-gasp equaliser against Bournemouth on Sunday.

The Danish international will be the only centre-forward option available to head coach Ruben Amorim amid Joshua Zirkzee's hamstring injury and Chido Obi's ineligibility in the Europa League.

Youngster Obi was left out of United's revised squad ahead of the knockout stages getting underway in February, meaning Hojlund will have to fly the Reds' attacking flag in their quest for a first European trophy since 2017 and Champions League qualification for next season.

Hojlund has five goals in the Europa League this season, meaning 55.5 per cent of his goals this season have come in Europe. That, however, is not respectable enough for a striker donning one of the most iconic shirt numbers in football on his back.

It is no secret by now that United want to strengthen their attacking options this summer regardless of what happens over the next four weeks. The club has drawn up a list of targets and they have set their sights on both Wolves ace Matheus Cunha and Liam Delap of Ipswich Town.

United's interest in the duo highlights their wish to recruit a No.10 and a No.9. The Reds transitioned to a 3-4-2-1 system following Amorim's appointment in November and it means their recruitment this summer must be specific.

Amorim has searched high and low for the right formula in attack, testing the water with countless combinations. Alongside Hojlund and Zirkzee, Marcus Rashford and Kobbie Mainoo have also led the line, while Mason Mount, Christian Eriksen, Alejandro Garnacho, Bruno Fernandes, Amad, Zirkzee and Mainoo have all been deployed as No.10s.

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