Manchester United is preparing for a surprising turnaround in its search for attacking reinforcements, with Brazilian forward Igor Thiago from Brentford emerging as an unexpected name on the Red Devils’ radar. This move gains particular relevance given the uncertain future of Joshua Zirkzee, whose potential departure from Old Trafford could create space for new signings.
According to Ben Jacobs, a renowned journalist specializing in football, United is broadening its horizons and considering not only experienced forwards but also promising young talents like 24-year-old Igor Thiago, a player with impressive goal-scoring ability and an ideal physical profile for the demanding football of the Premier League. “Although it is still very early and heavily dependent on the player’s willingness, Manchester United has started to explore options in a segment of older and more experienced forwards, but with some exceptions, such as Igor Thiago, should Zirkzee leave the club,” Jacobs revealed on The United Stand program.
The logic behind this interest is clear: Michael Carrick, manager of the Red Devils, relies on Benjamin Šeško as the main reference in attack but understands that the team needs more options to ensure depth, competition, and protection throughout a long and intense season. With the return to the Champions League, the club plans to strengthen several positions, including a striker, a left winger, and more quality in midfield, after securing Éderson from Atalanta.
The Brazilian’s performance at Brentford is impressive: in the 2025/26 season, he recorded 22 goals in the Premier League, along with one assist, in 3,284 minutes of play, with an average rating of 7.14, according to data from FotMob. These numbers explain Brentford’s financial demands and Manchester United’s view that Thiago could be more than just a mere substitute.
For Carrick, Thiago represents a valuable and complementary option. Strong, direct, and effective in the box, the Brazilian forward could relieve the pressure on Šeško, who cannot be solely responsible for leading the attack every week. However, the deal does not appear to be easy: Brentford is unlikely to part with their player for low values, and Manchester United will need to carefully assess the cost-benefit, lest they risk making an excessive investment.
In summary, the future of Joshua Zirkzee is key to the next chapter of the Red Devils’ attack. Should the Dutch forward leave, Igor Thiago could be the reinforcement that Michael Carrick desires to balance and enhance the attacking front of Manchester United in the new season. Until then, the negotiation remains in its early stages, but it promises to shake up the transfer market and the expectations of fans.
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