Ruben Amorim first Manchester United transfer already clear after agent hint made
Manchester United finally found their shooting boots in Wednesday's 5-2 Carabao Cup win against Leicester City - although they still have an ongoing concern in that area.
None of the goal-scorers at Old Trafford were strikers, with Joshua Zirkzee failing to score in his last 13 matches. It means United's centre-forwards have netted just three times between them so far this season, which sinks to two when it comes to Premier League games.
United have netted a meagre eight times in their nine top-flight outings, with just Crystal Palace and rock-bottom Southampton scoring fewer. The hope is that incoming head coach Ruben Amorim will arrest United's general poor form in front of goal, having seen what is possible at the Theatre of Dreams in midweek.
READ MORE: Van Nistelrooy outlines his plans after United appoint Amorim
READ MORE: United getting the best coach in Portugal in Amorim - Mourinho
His work with strikers is best shown in Viktor Gyokeres, who has reached dizzy new heights since his transfer to Sporting CP from Coventry City in the summer of 2023. The Swede netted 43 goals in 50 matches last term as the club picked up the Portuguese title.
His form promoted summer links with the likes of Arsenal and Chelsea - before the player himself announced he was staying in Lisbon. Meanwhile, United have spent at least £35million in compensation fees since then.
Around £17million of that is being given to Erik ten Hag in sacking compensation, while it will cost £8.3million to prise Amorim out of his Sporting contract. This, too, after forking out £10million to Newcastle United for sporting director Dan Ashworth.
How much was paid to Southampton for technical director Jason Wilcox remains unknown. These fees contribute