Manchester United Eye Igor Thiago as Striker Solution

Manchester United’s summer blueprint is clear enough: fix the midfield, sort the left flank of the defence, then worry about the goals. But behind the headline priorities, the club has quietly taken a first step towards a possible move for one of the Premier League’s most productive forwards – Brentford’s Igor Thiago.

A leading source has confirmed that the Brazil international is firmly on United’s radar and has already been the subject of a “call” from Old Trafford.

Midfield first, then full-back – and only then a striker

United’s recruitment drive remains centred on the engine room. Two midfielders are already through the door, and the focus at Carrington is on completing that rebuild with a third addition in the middle of the park.

At the same time, the club are pushing to secure a new left-back, with Newcastle’s Lewis Hall identified as the primary target. That position, along with midfield, is viewed internally as far more urgent than any attacking reinforcement.

Out wide, a new left winger is being considered, but only if a solution can be found for Marcus Rashford’s future. The same conditional logic applies up front: a new centre-forward becomes a live deal only if Joshua Zirkzee leaves.

United briefly explored the idea of a reunion with Danny Welbeck before the forward committed to Chelsea. Ivan Toney and Ollie Watkins have also been floated in discussions, names that fit the “Premier League proven” brief.

Yet, as Ben Jacobs has revealed, another candidate refuses to fade from the conversation: Igor Thiago.

Igor Thiago: Premier League sharpshooter, Brazil newcomer

Thiago, 25, is coming off a standout season with Brentford. He hit 22 goals in the Premier League and 25 in all competitions, numbers that propelled him from West London form player to full Brazil international.

That club form earned him a World Cup role in 2026, where he was handed several opportunities to impress. The step up proved tougher, and he has yet to replicate his domestic ruthlessness on the international stage, but his status as a front-line striker at elite level is no longer in doubt.

Speaking to The United Stand, Jacobs confirmed that Thiago’s name has been raised in United’s internal talks.

“Igor Thiago has been discussed, somebody that’s Premier League ready,” he said, underlining why he fits the profile the club are weighing up.

United make their move – but face a difficult deal

The interest has already moved beyond simple scouting. United are understood to have placed a call to Thiago and his representatives to gauge his situation and appetite for a move.

Jacobs described it as “more of an internal conversation and a normal player call to understand his situation,” stressing that there is no advanced negotiation at this stage.

The obstacle is obvious. “Getting him out this summer will be incredibly difficult,” he added – a nod to Brentford’s leverage after a prolific season and the premium on established Premier League goalscorers.

For now, United’s hierarchy are keeping their eyes on the main jobs: closing the midfield deal, landing a left-back, and then reassessing. The message remains consistent – a new striker is likely to depend on what happens with Zirkzee.

If the Dutchman moves on, the market for a proven No. 9 will open up in earnest. When it does, Thiago’s name is already in the notebook at Old Trafford.