Manchester United's £117million double deal gives Ruben Amorim alternative transfer boost

Manchester United’s search for a striker will continue this summer despite the arrival of Mathues Cunha and the transfer chase for Bryan Mbeumo.

Both could potentially lead the line for Ruben Amorim’s side but the expectation is they will mainly be utilised in the two number 10 roles.

United may well splash more than £120million on the pair but the Reds will continue to chase a new centre forward.

Liam Delap was earmarked as the top target given his goals for relegated Ipswich last season and his £30million release clause, but the 22-year-old rejected Old Trafford advances and instead joined Chelsea.

United have long been linked with Sporting Lisbon sensation Viktor Gyokeres given his goalscoring exploits in Portugal and working relationship with Amorim, while Victor Osimhen has also been linked.

Both players would offer a readymade solution to United’s blunt attack but the deals could be financially prohibitive given Osimhen's wages and the fee Sporting will seek for Gyokeres.

But that need not me a major concern for United considering the moves for Cunha and Mbeumo. The £120million pair plundered a combined 35 goals for Wolves and Brentford in the Premier League last season. United only managed nine more as an entire team.

That kind of goal return will take a significant amount of pressure off a central striker. So while Rasmus Hojlund, who has interest from Serie A, would still need to improve and show he can contribute effectively for United, the Dane or teammate Joshua Zirkee - who also struggled in front of goal last season and perhaps looks more at home in a withdrawn position - could have a future with a prolific and dynamic pair behind.

United will seek to move on a quartet of forwards with Marcus Rashford,