Man Utd Eye Blockbuster Move for Newcastle Star Alexander Isak

Manchester United have strengthened their squad in crucial offensive areas during this summer window through the signings of Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo.

Last season presented numerous challenges, but the primary issue was finding the back of the net. United recorded only 44 goals in 38 Premier League matches, marking their lowest tally in the post-1992 period and their worst league output since the 1973–74 campaign, which notoriously concluded with relegation.

Combined last season, representing Wolverhampton Wanderers and Brentford respectively, Cunha and Mbeumo contributed 49 goals and assists in league competition.

The duo are anticipated to feature together as dual No. 10s in Ruben Amorim's 3-4-2-1 formation, which could see Bruno Fernandes repositioned to a deeper No. 8 role in the center of midfield. However, United require additional reinforcement, with goal production taking precedence over defensive improvements.

A No. 9 striker would therefore represent the perfect next acquisition. The ultimate target would be Alexander Isak.

Proven Goalscorer

Isak represents precisely the type of acquisition that United would have pursued under Sir Alex Ferguson, whose most successful expensive purchases were frequently players who had already demonstrated their worth in the Premier League with different clubs—consider Wayne Rooney, Rio Ferdinand, Robin van Persie, Roy Keane, Dwight Yorke and numerous others.

Isak fits this profile perfectly. His 23 Premier League strikes in 2024–25 ranked second behind only Mohamed Salah (29) and surpassed Erling Haaland (22). The Swedish forward had also previously scored 21 league goals in 2023–24, showcasing his capacity for sustained excellence across seasons.

He possesses multiple attributes; physical stature, speed, instinctive finishing skills and remarkable work ethic, making him an ideal centerpiece with Cunha and Mbeumo functioning in the creative zones behind him.

Isak dominated Liverpool in last season's Carabao Cup final. That performance alone would have United supporters excited.

Not a Copy of Hojlund

United allegedly explored pursuing Liam Delap at the beginning of the transfer period, but the England Under-21 striker, who had an accessible release clause activated by Chelsea, bore too much resemblance to Rasmus Højlund.

Højlund demonstrated his capability to become an elite striker when he found the net 16 times during a debut campaign hampered by unfortunate injuries. However, he remains undeveloped and rough around the edges, similar to Delap, while both share characteristics as physical penalty-area forwards.

Acquiring Delap, or another promising young striker, wouldn't provide immediate benefits, whereas Isak, turning 26 in September, is essentially the complete package.

Højlund isn't beyond redemption, but bringing in someone more experienced would relieve pressure from the 22-year-old Danish player and provide him the breathing room he likely requires short-term while someone better equipped handles the spotlight.

Most importantly, United also require forward depth. Joshua Zirkzee ended up operating as a No. 9 for substantial periods last season, but was evidently more suited as a No. 10. This left Højlund as the sole option during a period when his confidence was severely damaged.

Potentially Available

Acquiring Isak seemed like wishful thinking, until it suddenly appeared achievable. Despite Newcastle's efforts to make him their highest-earning player ever, he reportedly rejected those overtures in favor of exploring a departure from the club.

However, his options have recently diminished. Liverpool and Arsenal were the clubs displaying greatest interest earlier this summer, yet Liverpool have just committed £79 million ($107 million) to Hugo Ekitiké, while Arsenal will soon make a similar investment in Viktor Gyökeres—£63.9 million ($86.6 million). The probability of either immediately returning to the market for Isak appears unlikely, even though reports indicate Liverpool are at least evaluating possibilities.

While United face budget constraints and have already invested £133.5 million ($180.9 million) in Cunha and Mbeumo, the financial aspects could prove manageable. Additional purchases are anticipated to require player sales and Isak might demand a British record fee exceeding Liverpool's £116 million ($157.2 million) acquisition of Florian Wirtz, but United do possess players they could move.

The club hasn't secured a guaranteed permanent transfer fee for Marcus Rashford, who was loaned to Barcelona with a purchase option, but his entire wages are expected to be covered by the Spanish club, representing substantial savings. Jadon Sancho, Antony, Alejandro Garnacho and Tyrell Malacia could collectively generate fees approaching £100 million (£135.5 million) with shrewd negotiations.

While there would be numerous variables and uncertainties, it remains within the realm of possibility.