Manchester United are once again in the spotlight as their search for attacking firepower takes a wild turn, with Liverpool’s Darwin Núñez surprisingly entering the frame. The Red Devils’ stuttering goal tally this season has thrown up plenty of questions, and with new manager Rúben Amorim trying to impose his aggressive, high-energy style, United are reportedly eyeing players who can match that intensity. Núñez, despite his struggles at Liverpool, is being floated as a potential answer to their forward line issues.
Since taking over the reins at Old Trafford, Amorim has managed to inject some belief into the squad, but the club still finds itself languishing in the lower half of the table. That slump has only increased pressure on the board to act fast in the transfer market. While Núñez is undoubtedly talented, his form under Arne Slot at Liverpool has been lackluster, with only two goals in fifteen league appearances, and just seven starts to his name. Clearly, something’s off, and United are now weighing whether it’s worth the risk to revive him.
The logic behind this interest is rooted in Núñez’s raw attributes — he’s quick, strong, and presses relentlessly — all of which could fit snugly into Amorim’s pressing system. United also admired him back in 2022 when he was still lighting it up at Benfica. There’s this lingering hope that maybe, just maybe, with the right manager and system, the old Núñez could re-emerge. But banking on that kind of transformation in the middle of a season feels more like hope than a strategy.
And yet, there’s a major elephant in the room: Liverpool. Transfers between these two titanic rivals are almost unheard of, with the last one going all the way back to 1964 when Phil Chisnall made the switch. For Liverpool to sell one of their forwards to Manchester United, especially during a season where they’re both trying to bounce back, is borderline fantasy. Slot may not be entirely convinced by Núñez, but handing him over to a direct rival would be a PR nightmare.
Even if Liverpool were somehow open to talks, the backlash from both fanbases would be massive. Liverpool supporters would feel betrayed, and United fans aren’t exactly head over heels for Núñez either, especially with his current form and confidence issues. Let’s not forget, United already have too many examples of big-money signings that flopped — no one wants another “Antony situation” on their hands.
With United facing a tight budget and an urgent need for dependable firepower, it simply makes no sense to take a punt on a player still struggling to adapt. Núñez might rediscover his form under Amorim, sure — but it’s not a risk United can afford when every point counts and the top six is slipping out of reach. They need goals now, not a six-month project with no guarantee of success.
If United are serious about getting back into the mix, they’d be better served going after names like Joshua Zirkzee, who’s already in their orbit and offers creative link-up and pressing ability. Brian Brobbey has Ten Hag’s approval and brings clinical edge, while Ivan Toney is Premier League-proven and battle-ready. And if they want to dream big, Victor Osimhen remains the most complete package — albeit a pricey one.
Bottom line? While Núñez fits the profile on paper, the reality is murkier and filled with red flags. United should steer clear of emotional, desperation-driven decisions and aim for strikers who’ve shown they can deliver, especially under pressure. If they want to rise again, every move has to be sharp, calculated, and free from sentimentality.
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