Spending mega money on new attacking talents hasn’t been alien to Manchester United in recent times - as seen by their efforts in last summer’s transfer window.

The Red Devils splashed over £200m on three new forward reinforcements, but it’s safe to say, all three players managed to hit the ground running at Old Trafford.

Benjamin Sesko, Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha all arrived in Manchester a little over 12 months ago, with the aforementioned trio netting 32 Premier League goals between them.

They were the only players in Michael Carrick’s senior ranks to reach double figures, subsequently helping the club secure a return to Champions League football after a two-year absence.

Despite the impact of the attacking stars at the Theatre of Dreams, INEOS appear to want added additions this window to hand the manager the needed strength in depth.

Man Utd enter talks to sign £50m attacking talent

Over the last couple of weeks, United have been linked with a whole host of attacking options ahead of the opening of the transfer window on Monday morning.

AC Milan winger Rafael Leao has been mentioned as one potential option, with the player himself even said to be open to a move to the Premier League this window.

The Portuguese international is said to be valued at around £40m at present, with Arsenal another English outfit in the race for the 27-year-old’s signature.

Leao isn’t the only player to appear on the Red Devils transfer shortlist at present, with West Ham United star Crysencio Summerville another option being considered at present.

According to TEAMtalk, United have made their move to sign the player, already entering discussions with the recently-relegated club over the possibility of securing a move for the 24-year-old this summer.

'Formal' enquiries have already been lodged, while it's further reported that the player himself would like a return to the Premier League this summer, with Tottenham Hotspur another club who have reached out to his representatives in recent days.

Any deal would likely cost any interested party a pretty penny this summer, as Nuno Espírito Santo’s men have placed a £50m asking price on the attacker’s head.

Why Summerville would be just like Rashford for United

United supporters were left confused last summer, after Ruben Amorim decided to loan forward Marcus Rashford out to Barcelona, with the deal including an option to buy.

The Englishman massively fell down the pecking order during the former manager’s tenure at Old Trafford - but the 28-year-old managed to star during his temporary spell in Spain.

During his 49 outings across all competitions last term, the winger registered 25 combined goals and assists and helped Hansi Flick’s men secure LaLiga title glory.

However, it’s been confirmed that Barca will not be triggering his option to buy, which has thrown the attacker’s long-term future at Old Trafford into question once again.

It’s likely Rashford will be permanently offloaded during the summer months, but his goal against Croatia in the World Cup opener on Wednesday night is evidence of the talent he still possesses.

A move for Summerville could see United land their next version of the Englishman, with the West Ham star possessing a very similar skill set to the Red Devils academy graduate.

Both are excellent left-wing options who love to cut inside onto their favoured right-foot and often find the top corner - as demonstrated by the Dutchman throughout 2025/26.

The 24-year-old netted seven goals in his 34 appearances across all competitions - but it wasn’t enough to secure the club’s Premier League future come the end of May.

Summerville, who’s been dubbed “unstoppable” by boss Espírito Santo, completed a staggering 1.9 successful dribbles per 90 - ranking him in the top 18% of players in Europe’s top-five leagues.

The aforementioned tally is higher than that of Rashford, which highlights the Hammers’ ability to create carnage when having the chance to run at the opposition in attacking areas.

He also managed to draw 2.4 fouls per 90 in the Premier League last season, as the opposition often had to resort to fouling the attacker to prevent him from causing any lasting damage.

His 23% cross completion rate and 28% shot-on-target accuracy showcase his ability to provide the end product to his mazy runs - something which Rashford has been questioned over in recent times.

£50m would be yet another expensive addition for United, but it’s one that could provide Carrick with the added depth and quality he’s hunting for in attacking areas.

Rashford’s departure would be a sad end to an unbelievable career in Manchester, but a deal for Summerville would undoubtedly soften any blow this summer.