Manchester United look set to once more be in the race for a striker this summer, now a familiar name has re-emerged.
The striking department at Old Trafford is once again a priority to strengthen this summer, with Anthony Martial‘s career at the club coming to a sad end.
The Frenchman hasn’t been seen since December and is just a few months from his contract expiring.
This lack of availability has led to Rasmus Hojlund shouldering a heavier load than he was ever meant to in his debut season for Erik ten Hag.
Now, Manchester United seem to be reviewing their options in attack ahead of a busy summer, with one name now being tipped as Sir Jim Ratcliffe‘s choice.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe wants to make long-term investment signings
According to Ben Jacobs, who has been talking with GiveMeSport, Sir Jim wants Evan Ferguson at Old Trafford with the Irish international ticking a lot of his boxes.
In this report, Jacobs also suggests that Brighton’s desire for a £100m fee is a far-fetched dream, with £70m to £80m more likely.
Here’s what he said.
“I think that from Manchester United’s point of view, they wouldn’t be starting anywhere near £100m if they proceed with Evan Ferguson, it would probably be more in the region of £70 to £80 million, which I suppose is relatively close to the package that they ended up paying for Rasmus Hojlund.
“Ratcliffe is prepared should Manchester United be able to, under financial fair play and profit and sustainability rules, pay these big fees, providing he gets value and longevity from the player.
“I think that Evan Ferguson does tick that box.”
From this, it seems to be clear that if United can afford a £70m striker this summer, Ferguson will be right up there in the thinking, probably next to Ivan Toney.
But with a player like Hojlund already there, what would Ferguson bring?
What would Ferguson bring to Manchester United?
Sharing the surname with a United legend such as Sir Alex Ferguson isn’t the only thing that Brighton’s 19-year-old wonderkid has going for him.
He’s possibly the most exciting young striker in the country, despite a fairly timid second season in senior football.
After exploding onto the scene in 2022/23, this season was always likely to see him regress slightly, as tends to be the case with young players.
But six goals in just 15 starts isn’t a bad record.
Brighton themselves haven’t been at the same level, and we’re fairly confident Ferguson is still destined for the top.
He’s been compared with some footballing greats in his time, such as Alan Mathews who coached Ferguson’s father, Barry, at Longford and upon first watching Evan in a school match, he was immediately impressed, telling the Irish Mirror.
“He reminded me of [Marco] Van Basten in terms of style, because he was not just a goalscoring machine but tactically mature. He had everything.”
Ferguson has generational quality, and for just £70m it’s a no-brainer – the only problem would be figuring out how to field him and Hojlund. But that’s a happy conundrum to have.