Manchester United’s lackluster performance against Arsenal on Wednesday underscored their urgent need for reinforcements in attack. Manager Ruben Amorim, grappling with his current offensive options, has prioritized strengthening the team’s front line. However, not all potential targets appear to align with United’s long-term plans.
While Rasmus Højlund struggled to impose himself against the Gunners, the contributions from Marcus Rashford and Joshua Zirkzee off the bench were equally underwhelming. Viktor Gyökeres remains Amorim’s top choice, but Bayer Leverkusen’s Victor Boniface has also emerged as a prospective summer signing. The Nigerian forward has drawn attention across Europe, thanks to his 21-goal performance in Leverkusen’s double-winning campaign and an impressive eight goals so far this season. Despite his form, Manchester United might not follow through on their interest.
Boniface’s persistent injury woes appear to be a significant stumbling block for the Red Devils. Reports suggest that his injury history is a critical factor discouraging the club’s decision-makers. Over his career, the 23-year-old has endured two cruciate ligament tears and recently struggled with a serious adductor injury, followed by a thigh issue sustained during international duty. Such recurring fitness problems have caused him to miss 20 games over the past 18 months, casting doubt on his reliability. With United already grappling with injury-prone players like Luke Shaw and the formerly unreliable Anthony Martial, the club is keen to avoid a similar predicament.
For Bayer Leverkusen, this is welcome news. The Bundesliga side is eager to retain Boniface’s services and is reportedly negotiating a contract extension. The proposed deal would extend his current contract, which runs until 2028, by another year and offer a substantial salary increase. If finalized, the extension would not only reward Boniface but also make him one of the club’s highest earners, a gesture likely to solidify his commitment to Leverkusen’s ambitions.
Meanwhile, Manchester United remains focused on alternative options, particularly Gyökeres, while keeping contingency plans in place should complications arise in securing their preferred target. As the transfer market unfolds, it’s clear that United’s priority is finding a reliable striker who can both meet their attacking needs and sidestep the pitfalls of recurring injuries.
By steering clear of Boniface, United aims to safeguard their squad stability and avoid repeating past mistakes. However, Leverkusen’s efforts to hold on to their star striker could see Boniface continue to thrive in Germany, showcasing his talent without the added pressures of the Premier League.