‘Backed’—4 Strikers Man Utd Should Target After Pochettino Given Transfer Boost
Mauricio Pochettino will reportedly receive Manchester United’s backing in January, with a new striker likely to feature prominently on his shopping list.
Pochettino has left the U.S. men’s national team for a club job that has long called to him. United’s interest stretches back almost a decade, to when the Argentine was guiding Tottenham Hotspur into Premier League title contention.
The 54-year-old arrives after Michael Carrick’s dismissal with questions surrounding his work since leaving north London. Yet his ability to develop players gives supporters reason for optimism. His demanding approach to fitness means improvements may take time, but United are reportedly prepared to support him in reshaping the squad.
The Telegraph reports that a new striker is on the January agenda following the assessment of Benjamin Šeško’s shin injury last month. The Slovenian is expected back in the new year, but United need a more natural alternative up front.
These four candidates offer different answers: a costly emerging talent, an experienced Premier League option, an ambitious marquee signing and a forward Pochettino already knows well. They are suggested targets, rather than confirmed United pursuits.
4 · The longer-term investment
Eli Junior Kroupi
Kroupi might already have secured a big-money move away from Bournemouth had a preseason foot injury not required surgery. His debut campaign on the south coast set a record for goals by a teenager in a single Premier League season, with his 13th strike helping seal Arsenal’s first league title in 22 years.
Arsenal subsequently showed interest during their unsuccessful search for an attacker capable of providing something different. Tottenham, however, made the most assertive approach during an ambitious summer.
The injury is unlikely to have extinguished that interest. On his return in October, Kroupi supplied a reminder of his quality by expertly setting up Amine Adli for Bournemouth’s second goal in a 2–0 victory over Leeds United.
He combines finishing that outperforms expected-goals measures with intelligent creative work between the lines. More of a hybrid No. 9 and No. 10 than a conventional center forward, he would give Pochettino a different attacking option.
The obstacles are substantial. Bournemouth would demand a huge fee to sell in January, while competing projects may appeal more than United’s rebuilding effort. This could be a target better revisited next summer, with United’s own league position another consideration.
3 · The short-term alternative
Jean-Philippe Mateta
United have recently favored players familiar with the Premier League. Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha arrived during the attacking rebuild in 2025, while all three midfielders signed in the summer came from English top-flight clubs.
That approach aims to reduce the adjustment period, although familiarity offers no guarantee of success. Spurs adopted it exclusively during their own summer recruitment, illustrating the continuing appeal of the “Premier League-proven” label.
If INEOS continues along that path, Mateta is an option worth considering. The very best strikers in the division are beyond reach, but he offers the physical profile Pochettino has historically valued in a center forward.
With his contract due to expire at the end of the season, the 29-year-old is expected to be available this winter. For United, the appeal would be an experienced alternative to Šeško rather than a signing intended to replace him as the leading striker.
2 · The ambitious pursuit
Julián Alvarez
Alvarez would be an unlikely signing, but his unsettled relationship with Atlético Madrid’s supporters provides the basis for considering him.
The Argentine described a move to Barcelona as his “dream” during the summer. Atlético refused to sell such an important player to a major domestic rival, Barcelona eventually abandoned their pursuit, and Alvarez remained in Madrid.
Supporter anger followed at the start of the season, prompting an apology last month. Although that hostility has eased, the episode has left questions over whether his relationship with the club can return to what it was.
A move elsewhere might therefore appeal, even if it falls short of his ideal destination. Arsenal have shown interest, and United could consider whether an ambitious approach might deliver a signing capable of lifting supporters.
The footballing attraction is clear. Alvarez excelled as Erling Haaland’s deputy at Manchester City, offers a goal threat from a variety of positions and works tirelessly without the ball—qualities Pochettino would appreciate.
Persuading him to return to Manchester would nevertheless be a major challenge. This remains the most speculative option on the list.
1 · The Pochettino connection
Folarin Balogun
A striker who was close to joining Everton in the summer may not immediately excite every United supporter. Some previously dismissed the prospect of appointing “Tottenham’s manager,” too. Yet Balogun’s connection with Pochettino gives this suggestion a clear footballing rationale.
The former Arsenal forward was one of the beneficiaries of Pochettino’s time with the USMNT and was disappointed by his departure. He credited the coach with establishing a “clear sense of identity” and “playing style,” having improved through their close work together.
After an impressive World Cup, Balogun was ready to leave Monaco. His club scoring record does carry a reservation: his 21-goal season for Reims in 2022–23 remains his only outstanding goalscoring campaign in Europe’s top five leagues.
Balogun credited Pochettino with instilling a “clear sense of identity” and “playing style.”
His contribution extends beyond finishing. A dynamic, selfless focal point, he persistently runs the channels and brings teammates into the game.
At 25, Balogun is entering his prime. Pochettino’s success in developing him at international level suggests a potentially productive reunion—and a more realistic route to strengthening United’s attack.
