Man Utd make major transfer change despite Ruben Amorim's stance on top target

Ruben Amorim's first summer transfer window as Manchester United boss has seen the club spend more than £100m, and further big-money signings could be on the way

Manchester United's striker pursuit suggests they have moved on from the approach which ran throughout Erik ten Hag's time in charge. Director of recruitment Christopher Vivell appears to be taking the lead in the search for a new No 9, despite Ruben Amorim's apparent preferences.

United have attempted to streamline their scouting operation in an effort to bring an end to the poor recruitment of years gone by. Bad investments have left the club battling to offload high-earning stars who are surplus to requirements, and the goal this summer is to get back on the right path.

According to talkSPORT, Amorim would favour a move for Ollie Watkins. He has already signed two players with Premier League experience in the form of Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo and in Watkins, Amorim has his eyes on a third.

However, the same publication suggests Vivell is leading a push for an alternative target in the form of Benjamin Sesko. Slovenia frontman Sesko would cost a little more - with RB Leipzig after a fee in the region of £70m - but he is several years younger than Watkins.

United aren't the only ones keen on Sesko, with Newcastle keen to bring the former Red Bull Salzburg star to St James' Park. However, Vivell and chief negotiator Matt Hargreaves are said to be taking a hands-on approach, with Sesko expected to make a decision in the coming days.

Villa's £60m asking price for Watkins also appears to be north of what United are willing to pay. Reports earlier this week suggested they were exploring a player-plus-cash deal involving Alejandro Garnacho, but there has been no movement on that front.

Sesko appears to be the top target, though. And it seems to show a level of joined-up thinking on the recruitment front which wasn't always present under previous ownership - or, indeed, in the early part of Sir Jim Ratcliffe's tenure.

Ratcliffe has trimmed down United's scouting team since taking charge. And now former Chelsea and RB Leipzig man Vivell - who joined permanently earlier this year after taking a temporary role during the summer 2024 transfer window - had taken a hands-on role.

United have sent a number of players out on loan as they gear up for the new campaign. Marcus Rashford will spend the season at Barcelona while Dan Gore has made a temporary switch to Rotherham, and the Red Devils confirmed on Friday that Ethan Wheatley has joined Northampton on a year-long deal.

"He has played in the Premier League for Manchester United at the age of 18 and you don't do that without having a lot of ability," Northampton boss Kevin Nolan said after the youngster's arrival was announced. "I have seen enough of him to know what he is all about, what his attributes are and to believe that he can come in and be a good addition for us."