After a disappointing league campaign that saw them score just 44 Premier League goals, United are in desperate need of a clinical Number 9.
The signings of Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha will undoubtedly strengthen the forward line — but with the spotlight now on finding a new striker, the question remains: who will lead the line at Old Trafford next season?
Man United Next Striker Odds & Probabilities
Thanks to odds provided by some of the UK’s best bookies, we’ve got a clear sense of who might be next through the door at Old Trafford. Taking bet365’s prices as an indicator, these are the favourites to be Man United’s next Number 9:
| Name | Current Club | Odds to Join United | Implied Probability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Benjamin Sesko | RB Leipzig | 2/1 | 33.3% |
| Ollie Watkins | Aston Villa | 2/1 | 33.3% |
| Nicolas Jackson | Chelsea | 9/2 | 18.2% |
| Dominic Calvert-Lewin | Free Agent | 3/1 | 25% |
*Odds correct as of 11:47 24/07/2025
Benjamin Sesko
Linked heavily with a move to Arsenal throughout the summer, Sesko has now emerged as one of the top candidates to make the switch to the Red Devils.
At just 22, the Slovenian forward is one of the most promising strikers in Europe, having scored 39 goals in 87 appearances for Leipzig.
However, Leipzig’s £67.3 million asking price has reportedly cooled Arsenal’s interest — and United’s ability to buy may depend on selling the likes of Antony, Sancho, Højlund, or Garnacho first. With over £120m already spent on Mbeumo and Cunha, Sesko may remain just out of reach unless sales materialise.
Ollie Watkins
After five seasons at Villa Park, Ollie Watkins might feel this is his last shot at a big move.
Watkins endured a mixed season. Having been central to Villa qualifying for the Champions League, he was left “fuming” after being dropped for both crucial Champions League games against PSG.
If United want a proven Premier League asset with an eye for goal, Watkins is an obvious choice. The striker has bagged a combined 109 goal involvements in the Premier League over the last 5 seasons. Over that period, only 2 players have contributed more – Mo Salah and Son Heung-Min.
The downside with Watkins is the £60m asking price. For a 29-year old, the price is steep and means he would have little resale value. Is he worth the outlay at this stage?
Nicolas Jackson
With the summer signings of Liam Delap and Joao Pedro, Nico Jackson seems to have gone from first choice Chelsea striker to surplus to requirements.
On the face of it, it’s harsh. Many feel he’s shown enough promise during his first two seasons in English football to justify competing for a starting spot, but on the other hand, inconsistency in front of goal as well as some costly red cards mean that Nico looks to be heading out of the door.
United have reportedly held talks with Jackson’s representatives, and Chelsea’s longstanding interest in Garnacho could help broker a deal.
Given his age (24) and availability, this could be a rare opportunity for United to snap up a Premier League-proven striker with high potential.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin
Free agent DCL is a more pragmatic option. According to the bookies, United are one of the frontrunners to sign him this summer.
Of course, Calvert-Lewin wouldn’t be the statement signing that the other names on this list are, but if United are to stick with Hojlund and Zirkzee, bringing in DCL could be astute business to give Amorim another option.
Let’s not forget that Calvert-Lewin was one of the most highly rated players in the league at a point, having hit 13 and 16 PL goal seasons between 2019 and 2021. Since then, injuries and confidence have hurt his numbers, but if United can’t stretch to a big-money option, a deal for DCL could gift them the flexibility to reassess next summer.
Stick with Hojlund & Zirkzee?
Despite searching for a striker, United already have two high-profile centre-forwards in the squad.
Hojlund has been strongly linked with a move to Italy, with Roma (8/11) and Inter (11/4) the frontrunners, but is reportedly keen to stay and fight for his place.
Zirkzee, meanwhile, was finding form late in the season before a hamstring injury cut his campaign short. He’s expected to stay at Old Trafford.
With new creators in Cunha and Mbeumo feeding the frontline, United may unlock more from the duo they already have. But the push for another top-tier striker suggests Amorim isn’t convinced.
