We have known for some time that a striker is near the top of Manchester United’s summer wishlist.
But what kind of striker – and what age – appears still yet to be determined. Do the Premier League giants look to bring in an experienced, so-called proven attacker to ease the burden on a 21-year-old Rasmus Hojlund?
Ivan Toney and Serhou Guirassy have both been mentioned. For what it’s worth, and while there have been no links with Manchester United yet, Atletico Madrid duo Alvaro Morata and Antoine Griezmann are reportedly available for bargain fees this summer. Ditto the one-time United target Paulo Dybala.
On the other hand, Man United’s ongoing interest in RB Leipzig sensation Benjamin Sesko suggests that the Red Devils could yet move instead for another young, up-and-coming goalscorer in the Hojlund mould.
Vitor Roque certainly belongs to the latter camp, having only turned 19 in February.
Manchester United wanted Barcelona striker Vitor Roque
The one-time Brazil international only arrived at Barcelona from Athletico Paranaense at the start of 2024, the La Liga powerhouses stumping up £25 million for his services.
But with opportunities proving hard to come by – and his agent casting doubt on his future at the Camp Nou recently – Man United have once again been thrust into the conversation for a forward they were interested in before Barca made their move.
“We received much bigger offers from Tottenham and Manchester United for Vitor Roque,” Andre Cury, the teenager’s representative, told the Charla Podcast a few months back while suggesting that the package put forward by Erik ten Hag‘s side was ‘over’ £85 million.
“But his career plan is well mapped out and we opted for Barcelona. The moment is not to look at the money but the career.”
Roque’s ‘career’ has been on pause somewhat since crossing the Atlantic however. Starting only twice in La Liga, head coach Xavi was certainly currying no favour with Andre Cury, the agent suggesting that Roque would look for another club willing to hand him more regular opportunities.
But with the Xavi saga ending with the Blaugrana legend’s exit from the Camp Nu dugout – Hansi Flick has already been confirmed as his replacement – the speculation has dimmed a little in the last few weeks.
Spanish giants want to keep Brazil international
Joan Laporta, Barcelona’s president, expects the 2022 Copa Libertadores runner-up to stay put for the time bing, Roque likely to be handed a larger role as Robert Lewandowski’s powers wane.
“Vitor Roque already knows the environment,” Laporta says, via Barca Universal. “I think they will all stay, except for some who are (leaving) because their contract ends or because they have asked to leave.
“I leave the planning in the hands of (director) Deco and Flick.”
Deco, the one-time Porto, Chelsea and Portugal playmaker, dismissed speculation surrounding an early exit from Catalonia for Roque a month ago.
“It’s normal. When there is no football, there is news,” Deco told Movistar, feeling that the rumours were nothing more than a space-filling tactic from bored old hacks.
“Barcelona generate discussion and many things. The debate about the squad should be internal. We can’t have a public (discussion). We have to discuss the future at home, not in the press.
“Few people are responsible. Me, the president, the coach. If (the Roque claims) doesn’t come from here, I don’t know where it comes from.”