Manchester United transfer news: Ruben Amorim's 'emergency' striker option to replace Rasmus Hojlund revealed

Manchester United have identified Jamie Vardy as an emergency option up front, the latest report has claimed.

The Red Devils defeated West Ham United 2-1 in the early hours of Sunday morning, with Bruno Fernandes scoring both goals.

While boss Ruben Amorim will be thankful that he will be able to call upon his captain next season, there are concerns that the club have been overly reliant on the attacker to produce in the final third.

United have signed Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha this summer, and both should help boost the team's ability to threaten opposition defences.

Amorim is also said to be keen on bringing in a new number nine to take the place of struggling forward Rasmus Hojlund, though they have missed out on key targets such as Liam Delap and Viktor Gyokeres.

Fichajes claim that former Leicester City striker Jamie Vardy has emerged as an emergency option should United fail to land any of their other striker targets.

© Imago

Is Jamie Vardy a viable alternative to Hojlund at Old Trafford?

Vardy left Leicester City this summer following the expiry of his contract, though the 38-year-old has said that he does not intend to retire.

The Englishman ranks as the Premier League's 14th highest scorer of all time, with his 145 goals better than the likes of Robin van Persie's tally (144).

However, it is difficult to justify bringing the striker to Old Trafford considering he is 38 years old and struggled for large parts of 2024-25, scoring just nine times in the league.

Though Hojlund only scored four top-flight goals last term, the 22-year-old is at least still mobile enough to run in behind, whereas Vardy's once famous athleticism has significantly waned.

© Imago

Who are Amorim's alternative striker options?

Having missed out on Delap to Chelsea and Gyokeres to Arsenal, the options for Amorim in the transfer window are somewhat limited.

United are said to have been interested in RB Leipzig forward Benjamin Sesko, but Newcastle United appear to be closing in on his signature.

Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins has also been linked with a move to Old Trafford, and his experience in the Premier League could be key if the Red Devils have ambitions of mounting a challenge for the division's European places.

However, Villa certain to be tough negotiators considering they may view United as direct rivals, and there is a risk that any deal to sign him could drag on.