Man United ready to go for Igor Thiago in attempts to strengthen strike force

Manchester United Target £70M Igor Thiago as Striker Plans Take Shape Amid Uefa reinforcements Manchester United’s search for attacking reinforcements has led them to Brentford striker Igor Thiago, with the Brazilian emerging as a serious option for the summer transfer window, journalist Ben Jacobs reports. The move signals INEOS’ willingness to reassess United’s forward line just 24 months after spending £36.5M on Joshua Zirkzee. The Dutchman’s debut season at Old Trafford was a mixed bag. He showed flashes of link-up quality and intelligence, but struggled for goals and consistency in a United side that lacked creativity. With only 7 goals in all competitions, questions have grown over whether Zirkzee is in the long-term plans of United’s No.9 shortlist alongside Benjamin Sesko who has made a name for himself at United in his debut season. That uncertainty has pushed United to explore the market again. Enter Igor Thiago, 23. Brentford signed him from Club Brugge in 2024 for ~£30M, but his first season in England was ruined by a serious knee injury suffered in pre-season. He only returned late in the campaign, In the 2025/26 season Igor Thiago shined as he scored 22 goals in 38 appearances and was second in the race for the EPL golden boot behind Erling Haaland thus making a name for himself in England after a bad start due to injury.Brentford still value him at around £70M.

Why that price tag? Thiago is the classic Brentford striker: 6’3”, powerful, excellent hold-up play, and ruthless in the box when fit. He scored 18 goals in Belgium before the move and fits the “physical presence” profile United have missed since Romelu Lukaku’s exit. In a system that will likely see more crosses and direct play under Micheal Carrick's United next season, he offers a different option compared to former forwards like Rasmus Højlund. The complication is £70M for a player with one full injury-hit season is a gamble. United’s budget will be tight under PSR, and spending big on another striker only works if Zirkzee is sold or moved on. Early talks with Brentford have started, but United are still in “information gathering” mode. If United do pull the trigger, it would mean a front three of Sesko,Thiago and Mbeumo competing for one spot. High risk, but INEOS clearly want more firepower after United’s struggles in front of goal last year and their rebuild as they look forward in competing in the Uefa champions league next season. Thiago makes sense tactically, but £70M feels steep unless Brentford drop the price or United generate sales first.