Meet the striking starlets who are reportedly topping Ruben Amorim’s Manchester United summer wishlist

While Manchester United might have entered March’s international break with a much-welcomed boost, the Premier League giants have entered a public rut this season.

Although there might have been plenty of excitement around Old Trafford back in November following Ruben Amorim’s arrival, the former Sporting Lisbon boss has largely failed to offer any immediate stability in the red half of Manchester.

While United might have punched their Europa League quarter-final ticket earlier in the month as they secured a 5-2 aggregate win against Real Sociedad, they have broken a string of unwanted domestic records.

Sat firmly in the bottom-half of the Premier League table, Amorim’s squad face what is a crucial summer behind the scenes at Old Trafford.

With Sir Jim Ratcliffe already finding serious pressure on his shoulders, the British billionaire must find a way to make funds available for Amorim this summer.

With it suggested that Amorim has a new number nine at the top of his summer wishlist, we have taken a glance at the European starlets who could be heading to Old Trafford.

Liam Delap – Ipswich Town

While Ipswich might be limping their way to an immediate Championship return after enduring a nightmare rut since opening the New Year, their attacking talisman has continued to receive a string of plaudits.

Although Liam Delap might have only completed a permanent move to Portman Road last summer, the ex-Manchester City youngster has made an immediate impact and it is no secret that the 22-year-old is attracting some heavyweight interest.

Despite missing out on what would have been a shock inclusion in Thomas Tuchel’s maiden England squad last week, Delap has registered 10 Premier League strikes.

The third-highest English goalscorer this season, only behind the duo of Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins and Chelsea ace Cole Palmer, it appears certain that Delap will be staying put in the Premier League next year.

Alongside continued speculation over a move to Stamford Bridge, Sky Sports reported on Wednesday that United are keeping close tabs on the England U21 international and have scouted Delap on multiple occasions.

🚨 Liam Delap only joined Ipswich in July but leading clubs already looking at for summer. If form continues #ITFC may lose 21yo amid ‘big 6’ interest; #CFC + #MUFC tracking, #MCFC can buy back
➕ Latest on #AFC #LFC #NUFC #THFC #RMFC & more @TheAthleticFC https://t.co/BuX5qXirBm

— David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein) November 29, 2024

Hugo Ekitike – Eintracht Frankfurt

Enjoying what has been a record-breaking campaign with Bundesliga outfit Eintracht Frankfurt this season, Hugo Ekitike has quickly underlined his status as one of Europe’s hottest striking commodities.

With the Eagles activating the 22-year-old’s buy option last summer after initially arriving from PSG on a loan switch, the France U21 international finds his stock at a red-hot high.

Notching 13 Bundesliga goals this season and spearheading Frankfurt’s charge for a famous Champions League spot in 2025, Ekitike has been heavily linked with what would be a blockbuster Premier League switch when the summer window opens up.

Previously linked with a Premier League switch and with a string of top-flight clubs reportedly passing on the opportunity to snap up the former Reims starlet, transfer guru Florian Plattenberg reported this week that Manchester United are a serious admirer.

While Frankfurt might have made it clear that they will entertain anything less than a fee in the region of €80million, it has been suggested that Amorim is a huge fan of the Bundesliga marksman.

🚨🆕 Manchester United are looking to strengthen their attack in the summer and are intensively scouting the market. Talks have already begun. #MUFC

From the Bundesliga, the Red Devils are closely monitoring Hugo #Ekitike and Benjamin #Sesko. Viktor #Gyökeres and Victor #Osimhen… pic.twitter.com/q563zzRDEn

— Florian Plettenberg (@Plettigoal) March 17, 2025

Jonathan David – Lille

Now entering the final few months of his current deal with French outfit Lille, it appears almost certain at this point that Jonathan David will complete a blockbuster move away from the Stade Pierre Mauroy this summer.

Already free to sign a pre-contract agreement with any club from across Europe, the Canadian international has recorded 23 goals across all competitions so far this season.

With Lille watching their Champions League adventure come to an end earlier in the month as they fell to a 3-2 aggregate defeat against Borussia Dortmund, the former Gent youngster is already planning for life outside of Ligue 1.

Sat third in the race for France’s Golden Boot this season and available on a free transfer this summer, the likes of Spanish high-flyers Barcelona have previously been linked with a swoop for the 25-year-old.

However, with it suggested over the past week that the 59-cap international has his sights set on completing a Premier League switch, The Manchester Evening News reported this month that United have been given the green light.

Jonathan David is a man in form and could be just what Manchester United need this summer #mufc https://t.co/WQKkGKcvWH pic.twitter.com/VZ9EO1TW6f

— Man United News (@ManUtdMEN) June 13, 2024