Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has been offered a trio of experienced free agent strikers—Jamie Vardy, Dominic Calvert-Lewin, and Callum Wilson—as the club scrambles to solve its goal-scoring crisis ahead of the 2025/26 Premier League season.
United’s attack was one of the weakest among the top 10 teams last season, managing just 44 goals in 38 matches, a record that ultimately cost them a Champions League spot. Amorim, who took over following a turbulent 2024 campaign, is under pressure to deliver instant improvement and has reportedly expanded his striker search beyond high-profile names and transfer fees.
Initial efforts to land Viktor Gyokeres from Sporting Lisbon appear to have fallen through, with the Swedish international now on the verge of joining Arsenal in a deal worth over £75 million, according to The Athletic. United had also been linked to other big-money targets, but limited financial flexibility has pushed them to explore bargain reinforcements.
Enter three familiar Premier League names now available for free. Jamie Vardy, 38, recently parted ways with Leicester City after 11 years and remains interested in a one-year Premier League swansong. Dominic Calvert-Lewin, 28, was released by Everton after a string of injuries but still has suitors due to his aerial presence and hold-up play. Meanwhile, Callum Wilson, 33, left Newcastle this week and is said to be open to a short-term top-flight deal.
So far, United have only added Matheus Cunha from Wolves to bolster their forward line, but the club is actively weighing experience over youth as Amorim looks for players who can deliver immediate impact, especially in a season that could define his tenure at Old Trafford.
Sources close to the club suggest that while the players were offered rather than directly approached, Amorim is open to signing at least one proven Premier League veteran as a rotational option or mentor to younger attackers like Rasmus Højlund.
As fans wait for clarity, the Red Devils’ striker dilemma is shaping up to be one of the most intriguing storylines of the summer window. With pre-season kicking off next week, all eyes are on how United will respond to missing out on their top target.
