As the summer transfer window heats up, Manchester United fans are becoming increasingly accustomed to the constant whirlwind of rumors linking their club to a multitude of names. From high-profile targets to last-minute options, it seems the Red Devils’ strategy to reinforce their squad has hit a snag. While many expected United to land a marquee signing early, they now find themselves eyeing a much less glamorous prospect: free-agent Dominic Calvert-Lewin.
The 28-year-old striker, who recently parted ways with Everton after almost a decade at Goodison Park, is reportedly on United manager Ruben Amorim’s radar as the club searches for a forward to bolster their depleted frontline. According to TNT Sports, Calvert-Lewin is being considered as a potential option, but his fluctuating form and injury history have left many fans and analysts questioning whether he could be the right fit for United’s long-term ambitions.
A Brief Look at Calvert-Lewin’s Career
After spending nine years at Everton, Calvert-Lewin’s departure came as a natural conclusion. Over the course of 273 appearances for the Toffees, the England international scored 71 goals and provided 22 assists. More importantly, his Premier League statistics are noteworthy, with 57 goals and 18 assists in 239 appearances. His most successful season came in 2020/2021 when he netted 16 goals in 33 matches, becoming one of the Premier League’s most promising strikers.
However, his form in recent seasons has been far from consistent. In the past four years, Calvert-Lewin’s best return has been just seven goals during the 2023/2024 season, a far cry from his earlier performances. While his potential is still evident, his recent output raises questions about whether he could replicate his previous success at a club like Manchester United, which demands a higher level of consistency.
The Injury Woes: A Major Concern
One of the biggest red flags surrounding Calvert-Lewin’s potential move to Manchester United is his injury record. Known for being one of the most injury-prone players in the Premier League, the striker has missed a staggering 73 games due to fitness issues during his time at Everton, according to Transfermarkt. This makes him a risky proposition for any club looking to rely on him for a full season, especially for a high-profile side like United, where squad depth and reliability are crucial to success.
Calvert-Lewin’s inconsistency in terms of fitness has been a recurring issue, and it is unclear whether United would be willing to gamble on a player with such a fragile injury history. For Ruben Amorim, whose first season at the helm will be pivotal, the decision to bring in an injury-prone player could undermine his long-term plans to build a cohesive and durable squad.
United’s Depleted Attack: A Need for a Reliable Striker
Manchester United’s need for a quality forward has become even more pressing this summer. With key players like Antony, Alejandro Garnacho, Marcus Rashford, and Jadon Sancho all signaling their intent to leave the club, the Red Devils’ attacking options are currently in turmoil. Amorim, who is preparing for his first full season as United boss, is in desperate need of reinforcements to avoid entering the new season with a severely weakened attacking unit.
While Calvert-Lewin could potentially provide a temporary fix, his injury record and dip in form raise doubts about whether he can offer the level of consistency United will need. There are also concerns about whether the striker’s skillset and style of play align with the needs of Amorim’s tactical setup, which places a premium on fluid, dynamic attacking play.
What’s Next for Calvert-Lewin?
Despite the doubts surrounding his fitness and form, the fact remains that Calvert-Lewin is still a talented player with a proven track record in the Premier League. His ability to hold up the ball, bring others into play, and score goals when fit makes him an attractive option for any club. However, for Manchester United, the question remains whether taking a chance on the 28-year-old is worth the risk.
For Amorim and the United hierarchy, the focus will be on whether they can balance the potential rewards with the obvious risks that come with signing a player like Calvert-Lewin. If negotiations continue, it will be interesting to see how the deal develops and whether United can find a way to mitigate the striker’s injury concerns.
As of now, no official talks have been opened, but for a team in desperate need of attacking reinforcements, Calvert-Lewin could end up being an intriguing, albeit risky, option.
