Christian Falk confirms Manchester United interest in Mainz ace

Both Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee have struggled to find the back of the net consistently, putting pressure on the likes of Bruno Fernandes, Amad Diallo and Alejandro Garnacho to chip in with goals. Thus, it is no surprise that the club are scouring the market for a new forward.

According to reliable German journalist Christian Falk as he spoke exclusively to CaughtOffside for his latest Daily Briefing column, Manchester United are among several Premier League clubs having scouted Mainz forward Jonathan Burkardt ahead of a possible summer swoop. The German club are already preparing for his departure, with a host of clubs considering a move to secure his signature.

Having come through Mainz’s youth system, Jonathan Burkardt has been in sublime form, netting 16 goals and providing three assists in 23 appearances across all competitions this season. With 15 strikes, the 24-year-old is the third-highest goalscorer in the Bundesliga—only behind Bayer Leverkusen’s Patrick Schick and Bayern Munich’s Harry Kane.

Falk adds that the German forward is ready to take the next step in his career and is keen on a move to the Premier League. With Man United actively seeking a new attacker, Burkardt has emerged as a serious target on their radar.

Man United simply cannot go into the 2025/26 season with just Hojlund and Zirkzee as strikers in Amorim’s squad. They need more punch and cutting edge up top, and Burkardt at 24, fits the bill perfectly at Old Trafford. The Germany international’s clever movement and anticipation makes him a predator in the box where he scores all kinds of scruffy goals which Amorim exactly wants from his strikers.

The Darmstadt-born star’s blend of pace, movement, flair and ruthless finishing would make him a superb option for Amorim’s side. Burkardt’s versatility adds more value to his name, as he is capable of playing through the middle as a No.9 as well as out wide, meaning he can provide cover for multiple positions.

All in all, INEOS must go all out for the Mainz hitman’s signature this summer to address United’s goalscoring conundrum.