Manchester United could reportedly consider a move for Serbian striker Dušan Vlahović as the club continues to assess its attacking options.
The possibility of Vlahović arriving at Old Trafford has gained attention because the striker is available as a free agent following his departure from Juventus. United have previously been linked with the Serbian forward, and reports in July indicated that the club had identified him as a potential experienced option should Joshua Zirkzee leave.
While there is no confirmation that Manchester United have made a formal offer for Vlahović, the striker’s availability makes him an intriguing possibility for Michael Carrick’s side.
United’s striker situation
Manchester United entered the new campaign with significant expectations after securing Champions League football last season.
Carrick’s successful spell as interim manager helped United finish third in the Premier League, and he subsequently took the job on a permanent basis. However, the beginning of the new campaign has already presented challenges, with United losing to Hull City and drawing with Everton before responding with a 4-0 Champions League victory over Sabah.
The attacking department has attracted particular attention.
United have several talented attacking players, including Bruno Fernandes, Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo, Marcus Rashford and Benjamin Sesko. However, the team’s forward line is still developing its chemistry, and there have been questions about how Carrick should structure his attack.
That situation could potentially encourage the club to consider another proven centre-forward.
Why Vlahović could interest Manchester United
Vlahović would represent a different type of striker from several of United’s current attacking options.
The Serbian is a traditional No.9 who is capable of operating as the focal point of an attack. He offers physical presence, aerial ability and a willingness to occupy central defenders.
For a United team that can sometimes struggle to turn possession into clear opportunities, having a striker who constantly occupies the penalty area could provide another attacking dimension.
Vlahović’s profile could also allow players such as Fernandes, Mbeumo and Cunha to operate around him rather than asking them to constantly provide the team’s central attacking presence.
A potentially low-cost opportunity
The biggest attraction could be Vlahović’s availability.
Reports in August stated that the striker had left Juventus and was a free agent, with Besiktas also publicly confirming negotiations over a potential deal for him.
That situation is particularly interesting for Manchester United.
Rather than paying a substantial transfer fee for another striker, United could potentially negotiate directly with Vlahović over a contract.
That does not necessarily mean the deal would be cheap. A free agent of Vlahović’s reputation could demand a significant salary, signing-on fee and other financial incentives.
Nevertheless, the absence of a traditional transfer fee could make the deal attractive if United decide they need additional depth.
The Zirkzee factor
One of the biggest factors behind the Vlahović speculation is Joshua Zirkzee.
Reports previously indicated that United were open to proposals for Zirkzee despite not actively placing him on the transfer list. Juventus, Roma and Como were among the clubs reported to have shown interest in the Netherlands international.
If Zirkzee were to leave Old Trafford, United would need to consider whether their existing attacking options provide enough depth.
That is where Vlahović could become relevant.
Reports have suggested that United could look for an experienced striker on a short-term basis if Zirkzee departs, with Vlahović mentioned as one possible option.
However, the club would need to determine whether bringing in another senior striker would improve the squad or create another selection dilemma.
Vlahović’s experience could be valuable
At 26, Vlahović is no longer an emerging prospect.
He has already played at a high level in Serie A and experienced the pressure of representing Juventus. That experience could be important for United, particularly as the club returns to Champions League football.
United’s current squad contains several players capable of playing in the Champions League, but European competition places additional demands on a squad.
An experienced striker who can contribute from the bench, start selected matches or provide tactical alternatives could therefore be valuable over a long campaign.
How Vlahović could fit into Carrick’s system
The tactical question would be fascinating.
Carrick has shown a willingness to use different attacking structures. United’s current forward group gives him flexibility, but Vlahović would provide an option to play with a more conventional centre-forward.
A possible system could see Vlahović operating centrally, with Mbeumo and Rashford providing width and movement around him while Fernandes plays behind the striker.
Alternatively, Vlahović could compete directly with Sesko for the central striker position.
That competition could potentially benefit United.
Sesko is still developing his game, while Vlahović has considerably more experience at the highest level. Carrick would therefore have two different profiles available depending on the opponent and match situation.
The competition for places would increase
A Vlahović arrival would inevitably raise questions about playing time.
Sesko was brought in with expectations that he could become an important part of United’s attack. Cunha can also operate centrally, while Fernandes has occasionally occupied advanced positions.
Adding Vlahović could therefore create a crowded attacking department.
But from United’s perspective, competition for places may not necessarily be a negative.
The club will compete in the Premier League, Champions League and domestic competitions, meaning Carrick will need to rotate his squad.
A long season can also bring injuries and suspensions, making depth particularly important.
United must be careful with the contract
Although Vlahović’s availability as a free agent makes the possibility attractive, United would need to approach the financial side carefully.
A free transfer can sometimes become expensive once wages and signing-on payments are considered.
United have spent heavily in recent transfer windows and are attempting to build a squad capable of challenging at the top end of English football.
The club therefore cannot simply look at the absence of a transfer fee.
They would have to consider the entire financial package.
If Vlahović demands a long-term contract on extremely high wages, United could decide that investing in another forward is not the right solution.
Could Vlahović revive his career in England?
A move to the Premier League could also represent an opportunity for Vlahović.
His Juventus spell produced plenty of pressure and scrutiny, particularly because of the expectations surrounding his transfer to Turin.
England would provide a completely different challenge.
The physical intensity of the Premier League would test his ability to hold the ball, attack crosses and consistently compete against powerful defenders.
But Manchester United would also give him an enormous platform.
Scoring regularly at Old Trafford could quickly transform the narrative around his career.
United’s current attack is already dangerous
Despite the speculation, it would be wrong to suggest that United’s current attack is incapable of producing goals.
The club already possesses significant attacking talent.
Fernandes remains an important creative player, while Mbeumo and Cunha provide versatility. Rashford’s presence gives United another source of pace and direct attacking threat, and Sesko offers physicality and penalty-box presence.
The challenge is finding the right combination.
Recent analysis of United’s attack has highlighted flashes of quality but also a lack of cohesion between the forwards.
That makes the Vlahović discussion less about simply adding another big name and more about whether his particular qualities solve a tactical problem.
A January move could be possible
If United continue to experience inconsistency in front of goal, Vlahović could become a name worth monitoring during the season.
Because he is currently a free agent, the club would not necessarily have to wait for a conventional transfer window to negotiate with him, although registration rules and squad considerations would still apply.
A move would therefore depend heavily on whether Carrick believes his squad needs another striker.
If United’s existing forwards perform well, there may be little reason to make another addition.
But if injuries occur or the team’s goalscoring problems continue, Vlahović could become an increasingly attractive option.
No agreement has been confirmed
It is important to distinguish between interest and an actual transfer agreement.
Current reports have linked Manchester United with Vlahović, including claims that the club considered him as a potential option if Zirkzee departed.
However, there is no confirmed Manchester United agreement with Vlahović at this stage.
Besiktas have also been publicly involved in negotiations for the Serbian striker, demonstrating that United are not the only club monitoring his situation.
Consequently, any suggestion that Vlahović is already close to joining United should be treated cautiously.
What a Vlahović signing could mean for United
If United eventually decide to pursue the Serbian, the move would represent a calculated attempt to strengthen the centre-forward position without paying a conventional transfer fee.
Vlahović would bring experience, physicality, goalscoring ability and a traditional No.9 profile.
More importantly, he could give Carrick another tactical weapon.
United have already demonstrated that they can produce dangerous attacking football, but the club’s challenge is developing consistency. With Champions League football back at Old Trafford, Carrick needs enough options to handle a demanding schedule.
Vlahović could potentially provide that depth.
At the same time, United must ensure that any deal makes financial and sporting sense. Signing a high-profile striker simply because he is available for free would not automatically solve the club’s problems.
Final verdict
Manchester United considering a move for Dušan Vlahović is a storyline worth watching, particularly because the Serbian striker is available after leaving Juventus.
Reports have already connected United with the 26-year-old, especially in the context of uncertainty surrounding Joshua Zirkzee.
For Carrick, the decision would ultimately come down to whether he believes his current attacking options provide enough goals and depth for a Premier League and Champions League campaign.
If United decide they need a powerful, experienced No.9, Vlahović could emerge as one of the more intriguing options available to them.