Manchester United could face a difficult period in attack after the club completed the summer transfer window without adding another recognised centre-forward.
The issue has become more noticeable after the opening five Premier League matches. While United focused much of their summer business on strengthening midfield, their need for another striker remained unresolved.
Benjamin Sesko was expected to be one of the main options in the forward line, but the Slovenia international has not yet fully recovered from a shin injury and has not played a full 90 minutes this season.
Joshua Zirkzee has also yet to establish himself as a trusted option, while Matheus Cunha has struggled when used through the middle.
The situation became even more complicated after Amad suffered an injury, increasing the need for Bryan Mbeumo to operate on the right wing.
With limited options available, United could potentially look at the free-agent market for a short-term solution. Three experienced names stand out: Karim Benzema, Mauro Icardi and Joselu.
1. Karim Benzema Offers Experience at the Highest Level
Karim Benzema is obviously no longer the same striker who won the Ballon d’Or.
However, his experience and technical quality could still offer Manchester United something different in attack.
The French striker left Al Hilal at the end of August. During the previous season, Benzema scored nine goals in 10 appearances for the Saudi Arabian club.
He also scored once in two appearances at the beginning of the current season before his contract was terminated following Al Hilal’s arrival of Ollie Watkins.
At 38, Benzema would represent a short-term option rather than a long-term project. His value would come primarily from his experience, finishing ability and understanding of the game.
However, there is a significant complication.
Benzema reportedly still has a contractual relationship with the Saudi Pro League until 2030 in an ambassadorial role. His image rights are also controlled by the Saudi league under that arrangement.
According to L’Equipe, Lyon had previously hoped to bring Benzema back. The striker was reportedly willing to play without receiving a salary, but discussions did not continue because of his desire to respect his ambassadorial role and unresolved image-rights issues.
For United, that means signing Benzema would require more than simply reaching an agreement with the player.
2. Mauro Icardi Could Be a More Realistic Option
Mauro Icardi is another experienced striker currently available without a club.
The 33-year-old left Galatasaray after his contract with the Turkish side expired. During his time in Turkey, Icardi established himself as a productive centre-forward.
Last season, he scored 14 goals and continued to demonstrate the qualities that have made him a dangerous presence inside the penalty area.
One important factor could make Icardi particularly interesting for Manchester United.
His representatives have reportedly ruled out a return to Argentina, with the striker still wanting to continue his career in Europe.
Tottenham have also been linked with Icardi, although available reports suggest that he is not their primary target.
For United, the Argentine could potentially represent a more straightforward option than Benzema.
Why Icardi could fit United’s situation:
- He is younger than Benzema.
- He has extensive European football experience.
- He remains interested in continuing his career in Europe.
- His main strength is operating as a central striker.
- His record shows an ability to score regularly.
There is, however, one obvious concern.
Icardi did not have a normal pre-season after leaving Galatasaray. That means his physical condition could be an issue if United wanted him to contribute immediately.
The upcoming international break could nevertheless provide time for him to improve his fitness before the Premier League resumes in October.
3. Joselu Provides a Different Type of Striker
The third option is Joselu, a striker whose career has taken him across several major leagues.
The former Stoke City and Newcastle United forward eventually returned to Real Madrid in 2023 after impressing during his spell with Espanyol.
His 2023/24 season was particularly notable, with Joselu scoring 17 goals before subsequently moving to Al-Gharafa in Qatar.
The 36-year-old left the Middle Eastern club during the summer and has since been linked with a potential return to the Bundesliga.
Compared with Benzema and Icardi, Joselu would provide a different profile.
His physical strength makes him well suited to playing as a target man. That could give United another tactical option when Sesko is unavailable.
Rather than asking him to replicate the movement or style of another forward, United could use his physical presence to provide an outlet for direct attacks and crosses.
Which Qualities Could Help Manchester United?
The three strikers offer different profiles, meaning their potential value to United would depend on what the coaching staff needs.
| Striker | Main Attribute | Potential Role |
|---|---|---|
| Karim Benzema | Experience and technical quality | Experienced central option |
| Mauro Icardi | Penalty-box finishing | Traditional centre-forward |
| Joselu | Physical presence | Target man |
The key issue is not simply finding a famous name.
United need a forward who can provide depth while their existing attacking options deal with fitness, form and positional issues.
That makes the free-agent market an interesting avenue, particularly because the club cannot make changes to its squad in the same way as during the summer transfer window.
A Short-Term Solution Rather Than a Complete Fix
None of these three players would necessarily solve every problem in Manchester United’s attack.
Benzema has the greatest experience but also the most complicated contractual situation. Icardi offers a traditional goalscoring profile but would need to rebuild his fitness. Joselu provides physicality and experience but is also 36.
Still, the three options demonstrate what United could potentially find outside the traditional transfer market.
The club’s attacking situation has become more complicated after five Premier League matches, particularly with Sesko still managing his injury and other players facing questions over their roles.
A free-agent striker could therefore provide additional depth without requiring United to wait until the next transfer window.
For now, the biggest question is whether United decide that their existing options are sufficient or whether an experienced free agent could provide the extra support needed in the centre-forward position.
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