- Manchester United ‘really appreciates’ Brentford striker
- Brazilian scored 22 Premier League goals last season
- Reds will need alternative option to Benjamin Sesko
As things stand, Manchester United will go into next season with one senior striker in their ranks.
Benjamin Sesko, who arrived from RB Leipzig last summer, enjoyed a fruitful debut season at Old Trafford. Bryan Mbuemo also featured as a number nine before the Slovenian won a starting spot in the side under Michael Carrick.
There is an expectation that United will swoop in the transfer market for a ‘second’ striker as they return to Champions League football. The last revelation suggests that their search will be localised within the Premier League.
United have “close eye” on Thiago
According to journalist Ben Jacobs, there could be a scenario in which Igor Thiago signs for Man Utd.
The 24-year-old played 40 times for Brentford in 2025/26, scoring 25 goals in all competitions. Only Erling Haaland scored more goals than the Brazilian, which was a significant feat for a player in his debut season.
Speaking on The United Stand, Jacobs said: “While it is very initial and player-led at this stage, Man United are just starting to look at the market in the older and more experienced category of strikers,”
The Reds are primarily in the market for central midfielders, but could shift their focus to other positions throughout the summer. Departures are also expected, which could come in the form of another forward.
Jacobs continued: “With one or two exceptions like Igor Thiago– in case Joshua Zirkzee leaves.”
Similarly, Shaun Irvine of All for United also told social media to “keep an eye” on the situation around the Brazilian striker. He said: “United really appreciates the Brentford forward, and if they were to enter the market for another striker, he’s at the top of the list.”
Brazilian is Expensive Local Option
United, under INEOS, have shown a clear preference for acquiring Premier League proven forwards. This was apparent in their pursuit of Cameroonian winger Mbeumo, who signed from the Bees last summer. It is a recruitment strategy that the Reds clearly feel comfortable following, despite Brentford narrowly missing out on European qualification.
It would make sense for the Reds to buy a striker who will complement Sesko rather than replace him. However, signing Thiago signals a replacement option. The Brentford striker scored 11 more league goals than the Slovenian last season.
Negotiating with the Bees could also prove difficult, given the London club’s stubbornness during negotiations for Mbeumo last term. The fee could ultimately exceed £60m, which would simply be too expensive for the Red Devils to fork out on a “second” striker. With at least two midfielders expected to arrive, the bulk of the summer budget will be allocated to the midfield. Any additional spending will likely depend on player departures.
This is precisely why Joshua Zirkzee’s potential departure could trigger a move for another forward, especially given that Carrick does not seem to trust the Dutchman.
