Man United transfer news: Ruben Amorim "happy" with options despite glaring absence from Red Devils squad

Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim has insisted that he would be "happy" to start the season without signing a centre-forward due to his increased options in that area of the field.

The Red Devils struggled for goals last term, with both Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee finding it difficult to make their mark, and the club are currently in the market for a new striker.

Aston Villa's Ollie Watkins has seemingly emerged as their leading target in that area of the field, with deals for the likes of Newcastle United's Alexander Isak and RB Leipzig's Benjamin Sesko likely to be too expensive.

Man United have signed Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo this summer, with the pair expected to feature as the number 10s in Amorim's 3-4-3 system.

However, Amorim has insisted that he would be comfortable using Cunha or Mbeumo through the middle if needed, and he spoke of the importance of signing the right player.

Watkins is thought to be Man United's leading striker target

"They can play as a striker," Amorim said of Cunha and Mbeumo when questioned on the club's striker pursuit during his press conference on Friday. "We have Josh, we have Rasmus, so our focus is to improve the connection between them. I don't know if the positions are there for them. They have to work.

"They have other players that are fighting for that position. But again, I'm really pleased. Because they proved that the goals that they have, they are really humble. That is really important.

"And the best thing is that they chose to be here. They had other options, Champions League options. And they read everything people say about our club in the moment. But they chose to be here and that is a key point for me.

"At the moment, we need to be really careful when we sign a player. If we have to start the season with this squad, then I'm happy because all the players want to be here. That is the most important thing.

"With Bryan and Matheus, we are clearly a better team.

"We need experience. Matheus is young but with experience. You watch every weekend, Matheus doing things against players you are going to face, which can help you when you choose players.

"That was a policy that we tried to use this season, so I can say yes. It's not just that, they have characteristics that we need but focus on players that can face the pressure."

Chido Obi, 17, is another option for Man United, with the ex-Arsenal youngster starting against Leeds United in the team's first friendly of the summer last weekend.

Amorim has "big plans" for Mainoo

Amorim also revealed that he has "big plans" for Kobbie Mainoo, suggesting that the Englishman is not a candidate to leave the club during this summer's transfer window.

Mainoo struggled to show his best form for the Red Devils last term, and he is currently being linked with a move to Tottenham Hotspur, but Amorim has said that he wants the midfielder to stay.

"I think he can play in both positions in midfield. Last year, he played more in front. His perfect position is with the ball. He's a big talent. He needs to increase the rhythm, the pace. I'm always on top of that with Kobbie," said the manager when questioned on the 20-year-old.

"I have big plans. But one game per week. The competition is going to be huge."

Mainoo, who has a contract at Old Trafford until June 2027, featured on 37 occasions for Man United during the 2024-25 campaign, scoring two goals and registering one assist.