Hugo Ekitike: The answer to Man Utd’s striking problem?

There will be a huge summer of investment at Old Trafford this summer, as Ruben Amorim attempts to get Manchester United back to the top of English football. 

One of the team’s main issues throughout this season has been in the final third, as they have netted just 37 goals in 29 matches. 

A sign of those issues is reflected by the fact that United have scored just 24 goals from open play, despite accumulating a healthy xG of 34.77. 

Conversion of chances has been by United’s attacking players throughout the campaign, meaning it is little surprise that the club is in the market for a new number nine. But, could Hugo Ekitike be a smart option for the Red Devils?

Who is Hugo Ekitike?

Ekitike is one of the brightest young players in European football. The striker enjoyed his breakthrough at Reims before turning down a move to England in 2022 after rejecting Newcastle in favour of a move to PSG. 

However, gametime at the Parc des Princes has been limited for the Frenchman, which led to him signing an initial loan deal with Eintracht Frankfurt. That signing was made permanent in the spring of last year. Ekitike has also been capped at U21 level by France, scoring five goals in as many appearances. 

How Has He Performed This Season?

Ekitike’s performances have reached new heights in the Bundesliga this season, which has captured the imagination of some of the biggest teams in Europe. The 22-year-old has scored 13 times in 26 matches, meaning that he is averaging a goal every other game for the Champions League-chasing Frankfurt. 

Across all competitions, his record is improved to 19 goals in 39 games, while he has also added an impressive eight assists. His 17 goal involvements in the Bundesliga see him rank as one of the most influential attacking players in the league, and he is averaging 0.59 goals per 90 in Germany. 

Ekitike has attempted 63 shots in the league this season, and he has hit the target on an impressive 35 occasions. His shot conversion rate of 20.63% will catch the attention of the United hierarchy, but how does he compare to their current striking options?

United’s Attacking Options

Rasmus Højlund has been tasked with leading the United line throughout the majority of the season. However, it could be hard to argue that his big-money move from Atalanta has been a success. 

The striker has scored three in 24 Premier League appearances this season, with five of his nine goals across all competitions coming in the Europa League. Højlund has taken a much lower number of shots this season, attempting 13 and hitting the target on eight occasions. His shot conversion stands at 15.38%. 

However, it could be argued that his shortcomings are as much down to the lack of chances created as his finishing ability. 

Joshua Zirkzee was brought to the club from Bologna last summer to take the burden off Højlund’s shoulders. However, the Dutchman has been playing in the number ten role since Amorim’s arrival. Zirkzee has scored three goals in 29 Premier League appearances, and he has attempted a low tally of 18 shots, converting at a 16.67% rate. 

Does Ekitike Fit The Bill?

Ekitike’s stats show that the Frenchman will be an improvement on the current selections that Amorim has in the final third, but whether United should be investing in another young striker with an unproven record in the Premier League is another question.

The Red Devils have spent big on strikers in each of the last two summers, and neither has adjusted to the Premier League quickly. With the pressure mounting on Amorim, he will need a proven scorer to make the difference at the start of next season. 

Moves for the best strikers in Europe look to be dependent on whether United win the Europa League and qualify for the Champions League. 

Should they fall short in that aim, then Jean-Philippe Mateta could be a more reliable option. The 27-year-old has shown his class in the Premier League across the last two seasons, scoring 16 in 35 in 2023-24, and netting 12 in 27 so far in 2024-25. 

Mateta has taken 41 shots this season, and currently boasts a 60.98% shot accuracy. While he may not be the sexiest of signings, he ticks all the boxes for what the United need at this point in their transition.