'If I need a new striker' - Man Utd coach plays down move for new attacker amid Boniface links

Speaking to reporters ahead of his side's Europa League clash against Bodo/Glimt, Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim played down speculation in the media suggesting that the club will delve into the transfer market to sign a quality center forward.

It was claimed that the Red Devils have Victor Boniface on their radar but a transfer is almost impossible during the winter transfer market as the Nigeria international is a key player for Bayer Leverkusen. 

At present, Manchester United are missing a proven goalscorer, as Alejandro Garnacho, their highest-scoring forward, has just three league goals to his credit this season.

Manchester United spent approximately 115 million euros to sign Rasmus Højlund and Joshua Zirkzee, but the two center-forwards have struggled for goals, scoring just three between them in all competitions so far this season.

Reports suggest that the Portuguese manager is pushing for a striker who fits his playing philosophy, with Boniface rumored to be among the targets.

The Super Eagles forward has showcased his goal-scoring prowess after departing Bodo/Glimt, amassing 40 goals and 20 assists in 117 games.

In his first game as United boss, against Ipswich Town, Ruben Amorim left two strikers on the bench and deployed Marcus Rashford up front.

When asked if the lack of goals is a major concern, he was quoted as saying by Manchester United's official webpage: "Of course, there is a concern in that [we are not scoring a lot of goals] but I think we have to improve as a team, because we have quality players that can score so many goals.

"You could feel it in the second half [against Ipswich]. We controlled the possession of the ball, but we were not dangerous.

"Maybe because we spent the week trying to work on build-up, and then the rest was not working.

"So we'll try to improve as a team and Rasmus and Josh and Rash will score more goals. Even Bruno has to score more.

"Amad has to be better near the goal. We can score so many goals. You are trying to [find out] if I need a new striker to score goals. But we need to improve as a team, and these players can score more goals."

Boniface has a contract with Bayer Leverkusen until the end of the 2027-2028 season.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel 

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