L‘Equipe, reports that Manchester United initiated a transfer inquiry about Christopher Nkunku from Chelsea. United aims to kick start their season under the Portuguese coach's guidance and has already begun working on bolstering the team's attack.
Nkunku seems unhappy at Chelsea with the lack of game time he’s getting under new manager Enzo Maresca. The 26-year-old has started only one game this season in the Premier League and managed just 154 minutes of football, with the Italian preferring the likes of Nicolas Jackson, Pedro Neto, Cole Palmer, and Noni Madueke over the former RB Leipzig man.
However, Nkunku has been regularly playing in Chelsea’s UEFA Conference League campaign with a good scoring record of four goals and posting an assist in three starts. Chelsea has managed to field two teams for each competition, and in Europe, all players sitting on the bench are given a chance. Nkunku does not want to be a part of that and would rather be a starter in the Premier League. Despite the rumors, the France international not communicated any desire to leave the club, hoping things might change, considering it’s just the start of the season.
Manchester United show interest in Chelsea's frustrated Christopher Nkunku
Manchester United's curious interest in Nkunku makes sense due to a lack of goals. They have also struggled to finish chances in big games, resulting in dropped points. The versatile French attacker can operate anywhere in the front three, even as a false nine, which would give Amorim (above) a lot of options in attack.
However, it also makes little sense, considering that a similar player, Joshua Zirkzee, is already in the squad. He has been at the centre of immense criticism due to his lack of form in front of the goal. Rasmus Hojlund is another name in the young attacking options Manchester United have and certainly is the first-choice striker for the club. It is unclear where Nkunku would feature if he switched to Old Trafford. The Red Devils should also consider his injury record, as the last thing they would add to their depth would be another injury-prone player, and he's just that.
Nkunku was out for 242 days through injury in the 23/24 campaign, missing 39 games. United have been substantially affected by injuries in the past one or two years and should consider hiring players with injury-driven careers. The Blues would consider opening the door for the forward who joined from RB Leipzig in 2023 for £52 million due to their collective attacking options and the Reds might just pounce on the opportunity.