Manchester United Eye Dušan Vlahović as Forward Solution
Manchester United is reportedly considering a move for Juventus striker Dušan Vlahović as they seek to bolster their attacking options despite spending over £200 million (approximately $265.9 million) on new forwards last summer. The club’s significant investment included players like Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo, and Benjamin Šeško, yet the team’s performance remains inconsistent, prompting interest in another forward. Vlahović’s contract with Juventus is set to expire next summer, and he may be available for a cut-price fee of around £13 million.
While Joshua Zirkzee‘s future at Old Trafford is uncertain, the potential departure of the young forward could leave United lacking in the centre-forward position. Although Šeško has begun to settle into his role at the club, the need for additional depth is pressing, particularly if Zirkzee leaves in January. The prospect of Vlahović joining the ranks raises questions about whether he could help alleviate the challenges faced by manager Ruben Amorim.
Analyzing Dušan Vlahović’s Impact
Vlahović made his mark in Italian football after a brief adjustment period, showcasing his talent during his time at Fiorentina. In the 2020–21 season, he scored an impressive 21 goals in 40 appearances, followed by 20 goals in his first 24 games the following season. This success led to his transfer to Juventus in January 2022. However, since joining the club, Vlahović has struggled to secure a consistent place in the starting lineup, despite achieving respectable scoring statistics.
In his initial half-season with Juventus, he netted nine goals. Over the next three full seasons, he added 47 goals to his tally. This season, although his playing time has been limited, Vlahović has still managed to contribute four goals from the bench, including a standout performance where he scored twice and provided an assist in a thrilling 4–4 draw against Borussia Dortmund in the UEFA Champions League. His ability to score, even when not a first-choice player, highlights a valuable asset for a club like Manchester United, which has struggled with finishing in recent campaigns.
Vlahović may not match the striking prowess of prolific forwards like Erling Haaland, but his physical presence and scoring instinct could be beneficial for United. While he may not rank among the top technical players, he could provide solid depth to Amorim’s squad.
Comparative Performance with United’s Current Strikers
When assessing Vlahović’s performance relative to Manchester United’s current forwards, his statistics stand out. Last season, among United’s 2024–25 squad, only Bruno Fernandes outscored Vlahović across all competitions. Amad Diallo managed 11 goals, while Zirkzee only contributed seven goals. United’s new signings from last summer outperformed Vlahović in goal contributions, with Šeško, in particular, significantly surpassing him with 11 more goal contributions than the Juventus forward.
Although Vlahović displayed slightly better creativity metrics, such as a higher pass completion rate, he was less effective defensively, offering minimal support to Juventus’s midfield. While he could create competition for Šeško, it is unlikely he could displace the younger striker as a starting player.
The prospect of Vlahović joining Manchester United raises several considerations. As the club attempts to rectify past mistakes in their recruitment strategy, the potential signing feels like a risky move. While the reported fee might attract the club, Vlahović’s recent struggles in a top European league raise concerns about his effectiveness in the Premier League. His substantial salary, reportedly around £368,000 per week, further complicates the decision, potentially making him another difficult contract for the club to manage.
In conclusion, as Manchester United aims to enhance their squad, signing Dušan Vlahović may not align with their long-term goals. The club must prioritize smarter recruitment strategies that focus on players who can thrive in their system and contribute significantly to their ambitions.
