Man Utd face striker crisis if swap deal fails as senior chiefs share transfer concerns

Manchester United are prepared to kick off the new season without a fresh striker spearheading their front line, according to reports. Ruben Amorim has bolstered his firepower with the arrivals of Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo, but he is believed to also want a striker to complete the attacking overhaul.

The Mirror report that a striker was top of United's shopping list in this summer's transfer window. Their decision followed a meagre tally of just 44 goals in the Premier League last term as they languished in 15th place - their worst position for 51 years.

However, United's only two acquisitions thus far have been Cunha from Wolves for a hefty £62.5million and Mbeumo from Brentford for an even steeper £71m, neither of whom typically play as a No. 9.

United have watched their prime striker targets sign for rival clubs this summer - Liam Delap has moved to Chelsea, Viktor Gyokeres is nearing a switch to Arsenal, while Hugo Ekitike is set to join Liverpool.

In light of this, high-ranking officials at United have privately admitted there's a strong possibility they will commence their Premier League campaign at home against Arsenal on August 17 without a new striker.

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United still hold an interest in Paris Saint-Germain forward Randal Kolo Muani, who was on their radar two years ago when they eventually forked out an exorbitant fee of £72m for Rasmus Hojlund.

The Red Devils might also consider a swap deal involving winger Alejandro Garnacho - omitted from the United States tour squad after requesting a transfer - and Chelsea forward Nicolas Jackson, both valued at around £40m.

Garnacho is keen to remain in the Premier League, with Chelsea his preferred destination, although there is some hesitation at United to sell him to a domestic competitor in a move that could ultimately prove detrimental.

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Jackson has found himself further down the selection order at Stamford Bridge, following the signings of Delap from Ipswich and Joao Pedro from Brighton.

United are concentrating their summer transfer efforts on players with established Premier League experience, who can make an immediate impact without needing time to adjust.

This strategy is evident in their successful acquisitions of Cunha and Mbeumo, with Jackson being a feasible solution that would address two issues - securing a new striker and transferring Garnacho.