Manchester United they did impressive start to 2025. The Red Devils have not lost yet, they drew away from home against Liverpool in the Premier League and Arsenal in the FA Cup, which they won on penalties. Recently, Ruben Amorim the team won 3-1 at home against Southampton, who are at the bottom of the Premier League.
The star of the series was Amad. The blond scored the equalizer at Anfield, scored a penalty against the Gunners and, most recently, scored a 12-minute hat-trick against the Saints from the 82nd to the 94th minute to earn his side all three points.
However, United apparently feel that Amad cannot shoulder the responsibility alone, with them reportedly targeting an attacking addition.
Man United are targeting a new striker
The player in question is Borussia Dortmund winger Jamie Gittens. The Englishman, who is yet to play for his country, has been superb for the German side this season and is now being targeted by some of Europe’s biggest clubs.
According to a report by Florian Plettenbergreporting to Sky Sports, the Red Devils are believed to be ‘seriously interested’ in signing the 20-year-old, with a potential move in the summer.
However, they are not the only party interested in his signature. United are preparing to take on German giants Bayern Munich, with Gittens ‘remaining a top transfer target’ for the Bundesliga side.
Plettenberg adds that the former Manchester City youngster is likely to become available if Dortmund fail to qualify for the Champions League next season.
Why Gittens would be a good signing
It has been a very impressive season so far for former Manchester City academy player Gittens. The 20-year-old has become a key player for Dortmund this season, scoring 11 goals and providing five assists. in 26 games for the club.
That includes an impressive four goals and one assist in six Champions League appearances. The winger scored away to Real Madrid in a 5-2 defeat, but actually made it 2-0 against Dortmund at the time, getting to the back post to finish off Donyell Malen’s cross.
It’s clear to see why football talent scout Jacek Kulig described Gittens as a “pure differentiator”. Like Amad for United, the Dortmund star is someone who can pop up with a big goal or assist to change the game for his side. The goal at the Bernabeu is a perfect example of that.
In fact, it could be a perfect long-term replacement for Marcus Rashford. It looks like his time at United could be over, with Plettenberg reports on Thursday that Dortmund and AC Milan show interest in the winger.
If United see Gittens as their replacement for Rashford, the Dortmund number 43 will need to perform superbly if he is to match the numbers of the Wythenshawe-born star. United number 10 has 138 goals and 63 assists in 426 games for the club.
To get an idea of how good a replacement Gittens could be for Rashford, statistical comparisons can be made. These special statistics about the couple FBref numbers from 2021/22, the Dortmund winger’s first season, to the 2024/25 season.
You can clearly see how good of a ball carrier Gittens is. He averages 5.41 progressive passes per 90 minutes, compared to 3.06 for Rashford. He also averages slightly more key passes per game, with 1.10, as opposed to 0.94 for the United star. However, Rashford is top in goals per 90 minutes, with 0.39 compared to Gittens’ 0.34.
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Compared statistics of Gittens and Rashford between 2021/22. and 2024/25. |
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|---|---|---|
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Statistics (90 each) |
Gittens |
Rashford |
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Progressive mounts |
5.41 |
3.06 |
|
Key passages |
1.10 |
0.94 |
|
Objectives |
0.34 |
0.39 |
|
Actions to create a shot |
3.43 |
2.95 |
|
Ball recovery |
3.12 |
3.04 |
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Statistics from FBref |
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Gittens certainly seems like an excellent replacement for Rashford should the United academy graduate leave Old Trafford, given the quality he can provide as a ball carrier, creator and goalscorer on the left flank.
Statistically he can hold his own against the United ace, and for the right price he could be a fantastic signing as a long-term replacement for Rashford.
