If a report from Spanish outlet Fichajes is believed to be true, Manchester United are exploring the free-agent market and have identified Lille centre-forward Jonathan David as a potential summer target. But he is not alone in their watchlist with Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Leroy Sané, Jonathan Tah and Ángel Gomes also being monitored to bolster them across the pitch.
The 25-year-old Canada international progressed through the academy ranks of Gloucester Dragons, Ottawa Gloucester Hornets and Ottawa Internationals before plying his trade to Gent. Soon he hit the ground running for De Buffalo’s since breaking into their senior side, and after a couple of impressive campaigns in Belgium, the French side splashed €30m to tie him down in the summer of 2020.
David was straightaway deployed as a talisman for Les Dogues during their title-winning 2020-21 campaign. So far he has netted 104 goals in 218 appearances for Lille, and therefore, exhibited his poaching traits to shine in the Premier League.
Manchester United have been through turmoil since Alex Ferguson’s retirement. They have been stuck in mediocrity for more than a decade now despite frequent managerial alterations, and their situation has not improved at all under Ruben Amorim who replaced Erik ten Hag midway through the season.
Why Manchester United Should Pursue The Move
The Portuguese chief needs time, funds and signings to implement his style of play in the ‘Theatre of Dreams’, particularly in attack as neither Rasmus Højlund nor Joshua Zirkzee has impressed enough as an outright ‘number 9′. The Red Devils have only scored 28 times in 24 Premier League outings which depicts their lack of firepower upfront. Roping in David might not resolve their crisis entirely, but he should offer more experience and expertise compared to the current options.
Meanwhile, Everton hitman Calvert-Lewin would be another quality alternative. Although he has netted 71 goals in 270 appearances for the Toffees, persistent injury problems have hindered his progression as a centre-forward in the Premier League. Everton’s passive approach under Sean Dyche did not help him either, but he could improve his numbers following David Moyes’ return as the Goodison boss.
It would be more difficult to lure in top names without Champions League football. and Calvert-Lewin, given his profound experience in England, should be a welcome addition. David, however, would resolve their conundrum high up the pitch, and the pulling power and legacy of Manchester United could do the trick.
