Manchester United’s summer is set to revolve around several priority positions, with a striker among those most desired.
Over the past week, Rasmus Hojlund has found a little bit of form for Manchester United, assisting against Real Sociedad and scoring against Leicester City.
Despite this, Fabrizio Romano listed four positions United want to strengthen, as a new number nine made the list to arrive as an instant goalscorer.
Victor Osimhen has been linked with United on multiple occasions, with his talents being taken in by scouts this season. Osimhen has the ready-made scoring quality which Ruben Amorim surely wants.
A less polished option to be linked is Liam Delap who United are said to be keen on signing. But now a brand new option in the form of Jonathan Burkardt has emerged as a target.
Manchester United add Jonathan Burkardt to the striker shortlist
United in Focus understands via transfer insider Graeme Bailey that a new name on Manchester United’s radar is Mainz star Jonathan Burkardt.
The 24-year-old striker has come through the ranks at Mainz and has captained the team. Mainz are enjoying a brilliant run and are currently third and are well-placed for a Champions League berth.
In this impressive season, Burkardt has been instrumental with 15 goals in 21 starts Bundesliga under head coach Bo Henriksen, which has seen him become part of Julian Nagelsmann’s Germany set-up.
It is understood by United in Focus that the Red Devils are working hard on potential striker options and club scouts have issued glowing reports on Burkhardt.
Interestingly, United have been attracted to Mainz as they often use a 3-4-3 system very similar to Amorim. Therefore, Burkhardt is well versed in playing as a lone striker ahead of two CAMs, a role which any new striker at Old Trafford would likely need to do play.
It is added that there are a few other Premier League clubs monitoring Burkhart too, so United won’t have a clear run at him.
What would Jonathan Burkardt bring to Manchester United
In terms of similar players, Burkardt is likened to Alexander Isak and also United target Mateo Retegui along with Internazionale’s Marcus Thuram.
| Stat | # | Percentile |
| Goals | 15 | 92nd |
| Assists | 2 | 63rd |
| Expected goals | 10.85 | 92nd |
| Chances created | 13 | 56th |
| Successful dribbles | 11 | 70th |
| Duels won | 55 | 54th |
| Possession won in final third | 17 | 95th |
Burkardt is a well-rounded striker with only Patrik Schick and Harry Kane scoring more in the German league this season – for admittedly better and more attacking teams.
The German suiting the system under Amorim is arguably the biggest plus against his name, as he should in theory be a perfect fit.
Burkardt’s manager Henriksen has been full of praise for the forward in the past, back in December he told Bundesliga press what he thought of the 24-year-old.
“This time, he was incredibly important because he also ran a lot to defend. What a man, what a player, I’m proud. He is of course also a leader for us. A player we always trust. He wants to do everything for this club.”
