Manchester United desperately need to add another out-and-out striker to their squad.
Benjamin Sesko cannot seem to stay fit, and as the side’s only natural centre-forward, his absences continually hold the team back.
Without the Slovenian, the Red Devils lack a direct focal point in attack: someone who occupies defenders, offers reliable hold-up play, and finishes chances consistently.
It is therefore obvious that securing a like-for-like alternative to Sesko becomes essential once the transfer window opens.
One such striker already linked with a move to Old Trafford is Dominic Calvert-Lewin.
The Englishman, now at Leeds United, has long been linked with a switch to United, stretching back to his Everton days.
Last summer, the Red Devils could have signed him on a free transfer, yet chose to pass; Leeds seized the opportunity and have not regretted it.
Calvert-Lewin impressed with 15 goals in all competitions last season and has already notched five this term. Those numbers explain why United are now so keen to secure his signature.
| Player | Season | Club(s) | Competition split | Apps | Minutes | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| B. Šeško | 2025/26 | Manchester United | Premier League | 30 | 1636 | 11 | 1 |
| B. Šeško | 2026/27 | Manchester United | Premier League | 4 | 76 | 1 | 0 |
| D. Calvert-Lewin | 2025/26 | Leeds | Premier League | 35 | 2726 | 14 | 1 |
| D. Calvert-Lewin | 2026/27 | Leeds | Premier League | 9 | 776 | 3 | 1 |
| B. Šeško | 2025/26 | Manchester United | All competitions | 32 | 1816 | 12 | 1 |
| B. Šeško | 2026/27 | Manchester United | All competitions | 6 | 206 | 2 | 0 |
| D. Calvert-Lewin | 2025/26 | Leeds | All competitions | 39 | 2957 | 15 | 1 |
| D. Calvert-Lewin | 2026/27 | England, Leeds | All competitions | 14 | 869 | 4 | 1 |
| I. Toney | 2025/26 | Al-Ahli Jeddah, England | All competitions | 44 | 3566 | 34 | 10 |
| I. Toney | 2026/27 | Al-Ahli Jeddah, England | All competitions | 18 | 1308 | 14 | 2 |
Leeds respond to Dominic Calvert-Lewin transfer chatter
Daniel Farke’s comments in today’s press conference, as reported by Motleedsnews, suggest landing the striker will prove far from straightforward.
Asked whether Calvert-Lewin was in line for a new deal amid links with rivals, the Leeds head coach replied:
“No, (I’m) not willing to speak about any rumours or something like this.
Obviously Dominic’s an important player for (us), and it’s always our plan; we want to keep our best players.”
Farke could just as easily have stated that Leeds have no intention of allowing their striker to join bitter rivals United, because that is precisely the message his words conveyed.
Toney option
With the Whites determined to hold on to Calvert-Lewin, United are likely to pivot elsewhere, and reports already suggest they are plotting a winter loan move for Ivan Toney.
The former Brentford striker is currently thriving in the Saudi Pro League, where he has scored 12 goals in just nine games this season.
Featured image by Stu Forster via Getty Images
