Since the summer of 2023, Manchester United has invested approximately £174.5 million in three young centre-forwards: Rasmus Hojlund, Joshua Zirkzee, and Benjamin Sesko, focusing heavily on acquiring youthful potential. Despite this significant financial commitment, the three players have collectively registered only 20 Premier League goals over the last two and a half seasons. This performance gap suggests the club is reiterating market choices while expecting different outcomes.
The strategy of relying on relatively unproven young strikers at Old Trafford marks a departure from the previous short-term, high-impact approach seen with veteran signings like Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Edinson Cavani, and Cristiano Ronaldo. This shift also contrasts with the acquisition of unexpected, stop-gap forwards such as Wout Weghorst and Odion Ighalo. Now, under the INEOS regime, it appears they might be repeating the wildcard tactic with a new target for the upcoming seasons.
The inability to secure a consistent, world-class number nine continues to frustrate the Red Devils faithful; Robin van Persie remains the last player to reach 20 league goals in a single season for the club. This ongoing struggle brings back memories of missed opportunities, such as when Ole Gunnar Solskjaer`s recommendation for Erling Haaland was overlooked. Haaland ultimately joined Borussia Dortmund ahead of the 2020 January window, leading United to scramble for a replacement, resulting in the loan acquisition of lifelong fan Odion Ighalo from Chinese club Shanghai Shenhua on deadline day.
Ighalo’s arrival was certainly unanticipated, and a similar surprise move may be underway concerning Auxerre forward Lassine Sinayoko. Reports suggest that INEOS is actively pursuing the Ligue 1 star. According to Africa Foot, United is currently negotiating personal terms with the 26-year-old, with both sides reportedly close to finalizing a salary agreement valued at €3 million (£2 million) annually. It is suggested that Ruben Amorim`s side intends to secure an agreement soon, potentially leading to Sinayoko joining on a free transfer next summer.
Whether Sinayoko arrives in the mid-season window or at the end of the campaign, he could provide the necessary wildcard addition that manager Ruben Amorim needs, especially considering that Benjamin Sesko has only managed two goals since his summer transfer from RB Leipzig.
Sinayoko may not be a glamorous or globally recognized name, but the previous example of Ighalo proved that a left-field swoop can be highly effective. The experienced Nigerian scored five times in his first six months at Old Trafford, offering crucial depth as United navigated deep runs in the FA Cup and Europa League.
While Ighalo`s tenure was brief and not tremendously prolific, he served as a valuable asset under Solskjaer. United has often been penalized for chasing only high-profile, expensive deals. Should Sinayoko join, especially on a free transfer, he would fit perfectly into the Ighalo mold: a solid, low-risk, albeit unspectacular performer in France who could offer immediate utility and a much-needed different dynamic to the Red Devils` attack.
Rupert Fawcett
