On the heels of a disastrous season that resulted in a 15th-place embarrassment and Europa League final defeat, Manchester United must ace their summer business to bounce back into contention.
They made the perfect start by activating Matheus Cunha's £62.5 million release clause, but their search for more attacking talent is far from over.
However, the team's next possible move is surprising and, honestly, underwhelming. Matt Law of The Telegraph reports United are considering a move for Chelsea's Christopher Nkunku, with Alejandro Garnacho potentially going the other way.
Garnacho's departure from Old Trafford is an inevitability at this point, but Nkunku wouldn't be the difference-making addition Ruben Amorim's squad is crying out for.
Man United's potential move for Christopher Nkunku wouldn't go down well with fans
Law reports that a player-for-player swap deal isn't in play, but instead, two separate moves that would see Nkunku replace Garnacho in Manchester.
Only four clubs scored fewer Premier League goals than United's 44 last season, highlighting the need for an injection of attacking talent in this window. But after being linked to Brentford's Bryan Mbeumo and Sporting's Viktor Gyokeres, a move for Nkunku isn't likely to win over fans ahead of such a crucial season.
Nkunku has fallen well short of expectations since landing a £52 million move to Chelsea in 2023. He started only two Premier League games in an injury-hit first season, but even under Enzo Maresca's leadership last term, Nkunku made only nine starts in 27 league appearances. And it's unsurprising, with the former RB Leipzig forward contributing just three goals and two assists in the 2024/25 campaign.
"He has been featured in the number 10 role, on the left flank and as a striker," writes Sourav Mahanty
of The Pride of London. "But in none of those positions has he been able to establish himself as a starter for the Blues, mostly playing as an impact substitute or in cup games."
It's true that Nkunku offers versatility, but he failed to make a big impact in either position for Chelsea.
As with anything in the transfer market, it comes down to value. Law's report that the teams aren't considering a player-for-player swap is actually good news, as the hope is that United could demand a bigger transfer fee for Garnacho.
But a move for Nkunku comes with risks. Injuries derailed his first season with Chelsea, and he failed to make a significant impact last year despite the team's impressive bounce-back season under Maresca.
United's attack needs major upgrades if this team has any serious ambitions of climbing the Premier League table. Landing Cunha from Wolves was the dream start, but it's hard to get on board with signing Nkunku.