Exclusive: Man Utd Move for Premier League Forward Off After 'Major Red Flag'

Manchester United are not on course to hand Dominic Calvert-Lewin an opportunity to head to Old Trafford even though he has been pushed in their direction since his departure from domestic counterparts Everton at the end of last month, GIVEMESPORT sources have revealed.

Although the Red Devils have struggled to convince Brentford to sell Bryan Mbeumo, with bids worth up to £62.5million being rejected since the transfer window reopened for business, head coach Ruben Amorim has remained determined to secure attacking reinforcements ahead of the Premier League campaign getting underway against Arsenal.

Matheus Cunha has been Manchester United's most high-profile acquisition this summer, having penned a £200,000-per-week contract when he arrived from Wolverhampton Wanderers, and there is a desire to remain active in the market at the same time as attempting to offload members of the squad deemed surplus to requirements.

Calvert-Lewin Pushed in Red Devils' Direction

England international seeking fresh challenge ahead of new season

Manchester United have been offered the chance to sign Calvert-Lewin as a free agent, according to GMS sources, but any potential deal is off as influential figures stopped short of engaging in prolonged discussions due to identifying his injury record as a major red flag when going in search of fresh firepower.

The 28-year-old striker is up for grabs after leaving Everton when his £100,000-per-week deal expired at the end of June, leading to the Red Devils being alerted to his availability when his representatives and intermediaries have been attempting to pinpoint possible destinations as he prepares to embark on a fresh challenge.

But GMS sources have been informed that Manchester United have concerns about the amount of time Calvert-Lewin has spent on the treatment table in recent seasons, with him being limited to just 27 appearances in all competitions during the 2024/25 campaign, resulting in them opting against rushing to hand him a contract at Old Trafford.

The 11-cap England international has been described as 'exceptional' by Sky Sports journalist Pete Graves and, having walked away from Everton after a prolonged period on Merseyside, he is carefully assessing his options in the Premier League and abroad as he aims to reignite his career in fresh surroundings.

Manchester United have not held talks over the terms Calvert-Lewin is seeking despite being long-term admirers, GMS sources have learned, and they are unlikely to up the ante while there are other targets on the market even though Amorim has been open-minded about securing a goal-getter with a proven Premier League track record.

GIVEMESPORT Key Statistic: Dominic Calvert-Lewin won two duels and registered one shot on target when he came on as a substitute during Everton's defeat to Manchester United in December

Amorim Continuing to Prioritise Mbeumo Deal

Tactician remains eager to reach agreement after two rejected bids

GMS sources have been told that Manchester United are continuing to prioritise landing Mbeumo, after refusing to give up on their pursuit despite having two bids pushed back, and they will turn their attention towards bringing in a frontman after the Cameroon international seals his arrival.

Brentford director of football Phil Giles has insisted that the right-sided attacker would be prepared to remain at the Gtech Community Stadium if a deal cannot be agreed with the Red Devils, but Amorim and members of the recruitment department are still keen to find a compromise in further negotiations.

Manchester United will be tempted to use the funds allocated to secure Mbeumo to acquire a big-name centre forward if they cannot get the deal over the line, GMS sources understand, instead of switching their focus to attracting a like-for-like alternative option to Old Trafford in preparation for next term.

Related Man Utd Reach Agreement Over Swap Deal Involving £300,000-a-Week Star The Red Devils are close to finally ending a nightmare Old Trafford spell.

GMS sources recently revealed that Marcus Rashford is expecting to be allowed to leave on loan if a permanent departure does not come to fruition, but his exit would free up space on the Red Devils' wage bill as they aim to recover from a season where they failed to win silverware or secure European qualification.

All statistics courtesy of Sofascore - correct as of 07/07/2025

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