Signing a clinical striker this summer will surely be a priority for Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim, who is set to face stern competition for Jonathan David
Ruben Amorim must win the Europa League should he have any chance of signing Jonathan David.
The Manchester United boss needs serious backing from Sir Jim Ratcliffe if the Premier League giants want to re-establish themselves as one of football’s best. Among the issues that exist within United’s squad is the lack of a reliable goalscorer, with Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee failing to impress in front of goal this season.
Lille striker David has been touted as a target, but Amorim will face heavy competition for the Canadian international’s signature. Newcastle United, Chelsea, Arsenal, Aston Villa, and Liverpool have all been strongly linked with the 25-year-old. The Magpies also reportedly sent scouts to watch the striker in action, adding further pressure on United to get a deal done soon.
David has scored 17 goals in 30 games this season and would prefer to play Champions League football should he leave the Ligue 1 club. But making the top four this season seems impossible for Amorim, with his club floundering in 13th.
Winning the Europa League is likely to be United’s only chance of signing David, given that qualification for the Champions League is an added bonus to hoisting the European trophy. David’s agent, Nikos Mavromaras, has reportedly told sources close to the striker that he’s open to options across Europe.
While speculation surrounding the striker’s future has been rife for several seasons now, Lille president Olivier Letang admitted that the club have no desire to sell him despite him being out of contract this summer.
He said in November: “We are not going to sell him in January and we have not received any offer for him. Jonathan’s situation is super simple. We are very happy to have you with us. Last off-season, he had one year left on his contract.
“We could qualify for the Champions League. When you have a guy who scores 20-25 goals a season. We had no obligation to sell him. He is a player who scores between 20 and 25 goals and qualifies for the Champions League.
“Plus, Jonathan loves Lille which is his club. Our position was very clear from the beginning, we think of the athlete. Obviously, he already has an offer (contract) that is in his hands, the ball is in his court.” United are currently unbeaten in the competition this season, having won three games and drawn three in their first six fixtures.
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