Why Serhou Guirassy could be the striker Manchester United desperately need as January transfer target emerges

Borussia Dortmund striker Serhou Guirassy could provide Manchester United with the goals, physical presence and experience they desperately need as Michael Carrick looks to address the club’s attacking problems ahead of the January transfer window.

The 30-year-old Guinea international has emerged as a potential target for the Red Devils, who are reportedly monitoring several Dortmund players as they consider reinforcements for the second half of the season.

Guirassy’s impressive goalscoring record, aerial ability and strength in attacking duels make him an attractive option for a Manchester United side that has struggled to find consistency in the 2026/27 campaign.

Having managed just one victory in their opening nine Premier League matches, United are fourth from bottom, a position that has raised serious questions about their summer recruitment and the team’s ability to compete at the highest level.

Carrick, who guided the club back into the Champions League after replacing Ruben Amorim, would have expected a much stronger start following the summer transfer window. However, the performances of the new arrivals have so far failed to meet expectations.

With Benjamin Sesko sidelined by injury since September, the need for an experienced centre-forward has become increasingly apparent.

Guirassy could offer the immediate attacking solution United require while also providing valuable competition and support for the Slovenian striker when he returns.

Guirassy’s goalscoring record makes him an attractive option

United’s reported interest in four Borussia Dortmund players has placed Guirassy firmly in the conversation, with his performances making him one of the more intriguing potential additions.

The French-born Guinea international has registered 68 goals and 15 assists across the last three seasons, demonstrating his consistency and ability to influence matches in the final third.

His profile also offers something different from Bryan Mbeumo, giving United another attacking dimension rather than simply adding another player with similar characteristics.

Guirassy combines physical strength with pace and an awkward playing style that can make life difficult for opposition defenders.

His experience could also prove valuable in a United squad that needs greater attacking reliability, particularly with Sesko unavailable for an unspecified period.

Beyond his finishing ability, the Dortmund forward has demonstrated an impressive capacity to compete physically, occupy defenders and create opportunities for himself and his teammates.

Impressive numbers underline his attacking qualities

Guirassy’s statistics in the Bundesliga this season further strengthen the argument for his potential arrival at Old Trafford.

He has contested 67 aerial duels and won 33, both figures representing the highest totals in the Dortmund squad.

The striker has also been involved in 114 ground one-on-one duels, with only Waldemar Anton recording more, having won 43.

His ability to stretch opposition defences is reflected in his six fast breaks, the most among Dortmund players, while his shot accuracy stands at an impressive 58.82 per cent.

Guirassy has attempted 41 shots in the league, comfortably ahead of Fabio Silva, who is second in the squad with 26.

He is also the only Dortmund player to have scored more than one brace this season, underlining his capacity to deliver multiple goals in a single match.

The 30-year-old has additionally recorded 12 headed attempts at goal and created 14 big chances, both team-leading figures.

Although his 77.12 per cent pass completion rate is relatively modest, that statistic is less concerning for a centre-forward whose primary responsibility is to provide goals and attacking threat.

Experienced striker could ease pressure on Sesko

For Manchester United, signing Guirassy would represent an opportunity to address an immediate problem while allowing Sesko sufficient time to recover from his injury.

The Slovenian’s absence has exposed the lack of reliable alternatives in the centre-forward position, making January an important opportunity for the club to correct its recruitment shortcomings.

Although Guirassy would probably represent a short-to-medium-term solution rather than a long-term investment, his experience could be beneficial to Sesko’s development.

The younger striker could learn from his movement, positioning and finishing, while the Guinea international would provide competition and an alternative attacking option.

His arrival would also give Carrick, or whoever is in charge by January should the current manager lose his position, greater flexibility when managing the squad.

However, United must be careful not to repeat the recruitment mistakes that have contributed to their difficult start to the season.

Dortmund and United’s contrasting positions could complicate deal

Despite the apparent appeal of the move, convincing Dortmund to part ways with Guirassy will not be straightforward.

The striker’s contract runs until the summer of 2028, leaving the Bundesliga club under little immediate pressure to sell.

Dortmund are also enjoying a strong campaign, remaining unbeaten and level on points with Bayern Munich at the top of the table.

That presents another challenge for United, who are struggling near the bottom of the Premier League standings and cannot currently offer the same competitive prospects.

Guirassy would have to weigh the attraction of playing in English football against the possibility of leaving a team competing for the Bundesliga title for a club facing a difficult battle to revive its season.