Manchester United's search for a new striker looks to have been narrowed down to two choices amid their decision over one target. The Red Devils are in desperate need of a new number nine and they look set to press ahead with their efforts to back Ruben Amorim with the much-needed signing.
Several strikers have been linked with the Reds including Liam Delap until he joined Chelsea earlier this summer. A potential reunion between Amorim and Viktor Gyokeres looked to be on the cards until he made an Arsenal move his preference.
This seems to leave three options for the club as they continue rebuilding the squad for next season. Bryan Mbeumo finally arrived in a £71m deal and it may not be too long until another attacker follows him through the door.
Man United 'unlikely' to bid for Nicolas Jackson
Nicolas Jackson had appeared as a market opportunity in recent weeks after Delap and Joao Pedro's moves to Chelsea. The Senegalese frontman's chances of regular first-team minutes look extremely limited at Stamford Bridge.
Ben Jacobs has given an update on United's interest in Jackson and he claims the club aren't expecting to make an offer (via his X account):
"Understand (Man United) are currently unlikely to bid for Nicolas Jackson. A lot would have to change for that to alter in the coming weeks. Not impossible due to respect for the Chelsea striker, whose name has come up internally, but a possible move now downplayed as it stands."
Understand #MUFC are currently unlikely to bid for Nicolas Jackson. A lot would have to change for that to alter in the coming weeks.
— Ben Jacobs (@JacobsBen) July 21, 2025
Not impossible due to respect for the Chelsea striker, whose name has come up internally, but a possible move now downplayed as it stands.🇸🇳 pic.twitter.com/immv3WF1FH
Jackson's name wasn't the most exciting one to appear on United's reported striker search because of his topsy-turvy spell in West London. He's had a stop-start time with the Blues, enjoying solid runs in front of goal before dropping out of form.
The 24-year-old's temperament is also a massive issue, and he's picked up two red cards in the last three months. To make matters worse, his club are reportedly demanding £80-100m to sell (per Sky Sports), which is money the Reds simply don't have.
Fans are relieved with the news mostly because they think there are better options out there. One wrote:
"Thank god."
Another fan replied:
"A Jackson signing would be akin to the Sancho signing. It'll set us back years."
One insisted:
"Would rather have no striker."
Man United appear to have two options left
The news regarding Jackson no longer being a likely arrival means United's search for a new centre-forward may consist of two names. The first is Benjamin Sesko who seems to be the favourite among the Old Trafford faithful.
Reports claim that the club are "intensifying interest" in Sesko, 22, and have an advantage thanks to director of recruitment Christopher Vivell. The Slovenian is one of Europe's most exciting frontmen but is still young and will need time.
An alternative could be Aston Villa's Ollie Watkins, 29, who is much more experienced and knows the Premier League well. The English frontman has been on the club's radar throughout the summer and may be the cheapest of the two.
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