Reds may have to bend own rules to land strike target

ONE of the biggest positives of Ineos' first year at Manchester United has been how the club's transfer policy has evolved for the better.

- By GEORGE SMITH

After years of reckless spending and paying over the odds for countless players, United's direction of travel in the market has changed considerably since the start of last summer's transfer window.

Instead of chasing the signatures of established names who have already earned their stripes, United have targeted younger players who have high ceilings and potential resale value, with the additions of Ayden Heaven, Leny Yoro, Patrick Dorgu and Chido Obi prime examples.

United are expected to follow that blueprint once again this summer. Head coach Ruben Amorim needs recruitment to be specific and he has already warned how United can ill-afford to repeat recruitment errors of yesteryear.

However, the biggest priority facing United ahead of this summer's transfer window is the addition of a striker.

After spending an initial fee of £64million on Rasmus Hojlund in August 2023 and then signing Joshua Zirkzee who has turned out not to be a striker just under a year later, United can't afford to sign another unproven goal-getter this time around.

Hojlund was signed at the age of just 20 and Zirkzee slightly older at 23. With respect, neither of them had done anything to suggest they had the credentials to become a starting striker at Old Trafford.