Manchester United make their move for £84m Viktor Gyokeres alternative

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Manchester United are looking to strengthen their attacking ranks further ahead of a crucial 2025/26 campaign.

Manchester United endured one of their worst seasons in recent history last term, and their reputation as one of the world’s most illustrious clubs is now at stake.

However, the Red Devils have started well. Matheus Cunha has moved to Man United after scoring 15 Premier League goals for Wolves last season.

TBR Football understands Bryan Mbeumo wants to follow Cunha to Man United, so there’s a good chance he could be next to arrive.

The Red Devils are also in the market for a more traditional No.9 to use alongside Cunha and Mbeumo.

Now, Florian Plettenberg has reported that Man United have joined the race for a “special” £84million striker who was a boyhood fan.

Manchester United make contact over Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike

Plettenberg has taken to X to report that Man United have “now officially entered the race” for Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike.

The Sky Sport Germany journalist claims the Red Devils have made contact with Eintracht to express their interest and gather all relevant information.

However, Man United are not alone in the race for Ekitike – Liverpool and Chelsea are still in the picture, according to Plettenberg.

Eintracht have valued Ekitike at €100million (£84million), added the German football expert.

Man United are also after Jean-Philippe Mateta, but he’s now closing in on a new contract with Crystal Palace.

READ MORE: Fabrizio Romano is ‘99% convinced’ that Man United would’ve signed £55m star if they had won the Europa League

The ‘very special’ striker who loved Manchester United as a youngster

It wasn’t that long ago that Ekitike was being deemed ‘one of Europe’s most highly-rated young players‘.

Jacek Kulig of Football Talent Scout previously deemed him a 9 out of 10 in terms of potential and likened him to Thierry Henry.

Ekitike – who was called “very special” during his time at Reims – had a bit of a blip previously, but he has bounced back with a strong spell at Eintracht.

Last season, the 22-year-old registered 22 goals and 12 assists from 48 outings, leading to interest from some of the Premier League’s biggest clubs.

Better still, Ekitike has admitted he previously had a soft spot for Man United.

As per the Daily Mail, he was asked by the Eintracht media team which club was his “favourite” as a child he quickly responded: “Manchester United”.