Man Utd told to make surprise transfer for Premier League forward – ‘Ace up his sleeve’

Manchester United remain keen on adding a new striker to their squad before the transfer window closes and have been told that their ideal option could be right in front of their face

Manchester United have been told to make a surprise swoop for Everton striker Beto as a solution to their goalscoring woes. The Red Devils struggled for goals last season and have as a result launched a search for a new striker.

Sporting Lisbon star Viktor Gyokeres was one of their initial targets but United are facing competition from Premier League rivals Arsenal. And as it stands, Gyokeres appears to prefer a move to the Emirates Stadium in any case.

Ruben Amorim’s side have now been told to look elsewhere, specifically on Merseyside. Fernando Lopes, president of Portuguese club Uniao Tires, has suggested that Beto – who used to play for his side – would be an ideal addition.

As quoted by The Sun, Lopes said: “Everyone thought Amorim would sign Gyokeres as he had him at Sporting, but the Premier League is completely different to Portugal.

“Teams are more physical and compact at the back, it’s quicker and more competitive. Gyokeres would struggle to play as the lone No. 9 waiting for service. Beto’s a more physical player, who fights with defenders and doesn’t lose duels. He’s a real headache for opponents – if he gets the service.

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“In their golden era, United always scored a lot of goals from set-pieces, but haven’t had a proper striker for many seasons. Nowadays, teams have small, quick strikers or a false forward because there’s an obsession for possession of the ball.

“Beto represents the typical old style, because of his physique, power and work-rate, plus he’s very fast. When [David] Moyes went to Everton he showed what a handful he’s for defenders to stop. He’d be like Amorim’s ace up his sleeve in a game of poker.”

Beto, 27, joined Everton from Italian side Udinese in 2023 for £25m but endured a poor start to life in the Premier League with just three goals across his debut season. But he improved last term having scored 10 goals across all competitions.

Who should Man United sign this summer? Share your thoughts in the comments below

Beto is not the only surprise forward that United have been linked with this summer. Former Tottenham star Jamie O’Hara recently suggested that Jamie Vardy would be an ideal addition following his exit from Leicester.

He said: “If you’re a team coming up you’d definitely have a look at him. But I think he can still do a job at an established Premier League club. Couldn’t he do a job at Man United? How many goals has [Rasmus] Hojlund got?

“You can’t tell me he still can’t do a job in the Premier League. As a free transfer, I think he’s a great signing to add to your squad.”

United have already added Wolves star Matheus Cunha to their squad after paying £62.5m for the ex-Wolves forward. Bryan Mbeumo is also on their shortlist but face competition for the Brentford star from Tottenham.

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