Manchester United has made a powerful statement this transfer window by securing the signature of a prolific striker who netted 29 goals last season. This marks the club’s first major signing of the summer, locking him down on a six-year deal. It’s a clear signal of intent from the Red Devils as they aim to bounce back from a dismal 2024/25 season that saw them crash to 15th in the league and miss out on all forms of European football. The new striker, who hasn’t been named in this report, joins a rebuilding project under manager Ruben Amorim, with fans hopeful that his arrival sparks a new era.
Meanwhile, Brighton’s Pervis Estupiñán has publicly expressed his desire to join Manchester United. The Ecuadorian full-back, known for his speed, tenacity, and attacking threat, has reportedly instructed his agents to begin talks with United about a summer move. The club has been actively pursuing upgrades in several areas following their underwhelming campaign, and Estupiñán’s enthusiasm to jump ship has added momentum to the situation—though not without complications.
United’s immediate focus this summer has been on revamping the attack, notably with the acquisition of Matheus Cunha and a public chase for Bryan Mbeumo. However, Estupiñán has emerged as a compelling option for the wing-back position, offering tactical value to Amorim’s system. Despite this, the Red Devils’ recruitment priorities remain elsewhere, casting doubt on whether they’ll follow through on this potential move, especially when other positions—like midfield and goalkeeping—are pressing.
Adding to the complexity, United already has significant depth at left wing-back. The club signed young Paraguayan Diego León, though he’s likely headed for the academy. Patrick Dorgu, brought in from Lecce in January, remains part of the mix, while veterans Luke Shaw and Diogo Dalot provide ample coverage. Even Harry Amass, though young, is being groomed for future roles. That stacked lineup makes another signing in this role look, frankly, unnecessary.
Nonetheless, interest in Estupiñán is real. Reports from outlets like Fichajes and CaughtOffside confirm United’s enquiries. The Ecuadorian himself is “open to a move,” and Brighton is aware of his intention to seek growth elsewhere. Still, fans are divided—some welcome the idea of depth and competition, while others slam it as a waste of resources in a position they feel is already sorted.
Financially, Brighton reportedly values Estupiñán between €40–45 million—a steep fee for a role that’s arguably covered. To complicate matters further, Chelsea, Tottenham, and AC Milan are also circling, creating a potential bidding war. If United is to secure him, they’ll have to decide quickly whether to escalate the chase or pull out before the numbers spiral.
From a tactical standpoint, Estupiñán is a fit for Amorim’s system. His pace, endurance, and defensive acumen would shine in a wing-back-heavy setup. But with so many players already on the books, the only real justification for signing him would be if he’s seen as a clear upgrade, not just another name in the rotation. The squad’s existing makeup raises the question: is it worth spending over £38 million on a role you already have covered five times over?
All in all, this feels like a case of desire clashing with practicality. Estupiñán wants the move, United admires the player, and tactically, it makes sense. But with other fires to put out in the squad and budget limits to consider, the smarter play might be to keep him on the radar while addressing more urgent needs. Whether United acts now or waits for the right moment remains to be seen.
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