Mark Goldbridge has voiced his frustration over Manchester United’s rumored interest in Chelsea forward Christopher Nkunku, describing the potential signing as a poor decision.
With the January transfer window nearing its conclusion, Manchester United is yet to make a signing under new manager Ruben Amorim. Instead, the club’s focus has largely been on outgoing players, such as Antony’s loan move to Real Betis and continued speculation about the futures of Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho.
Reports suggest that INEOS, Manchester United’s owners, have identified Nkunku as a priority target to bolster the squad. However, Goldbridge took to X (formerly Twitter) to criticize the move, labeling it a disastrous choice that could harm the club.
His remarks have sparked heated debates among fans, with some agreeing with his skepticism and others pointing out Nkunku’s impressive past performances at RB Leipzig.
Since his move to Chelsea, Nkunku has struggled to replicate his previous form, scoring only 16 goals in 43 matches across all competitions, with most of those goals coming outside the Premier League.
However, his record in Germany, where he netted 70 goals and provided 54 assists in 172 games, has left a section of United supporters hopeful about what he could bring to Old Trafford.
Adding to the controversy are rumors of a possible player swap involving Garnacho and Nkunku. Reports suggest Chelsea is interested in acquiring Garnacho, which has angered many fans who view the young talent as a vital part of United’s future.
Goldbridge, along with other critics, has slammed the idea, seeing it as a reckless gamble that could backfire on the club, particularly given its struggles with inconsistency this season.
Manager Ruben Amorim has remained cautious in his approach to transfers, emphasizing his focus on improving the existing squad rather than making hasty decisions in the market.
While he has acknowledged the unpredictability of the transfer window, Amorim seems determined to avoid signing players who might not offer long-term value. This has divided the fanbase, with some believing Amorim can unlock Nkunku’s potential, while others argue that the club should prioritize stability over risky acquisitions.
The transfer strategy under INEOS ownership continues to draw criticism, with fans questioning the lack of a clear plan or vision. Goldbridge’s concerns echo broader frustrations about Manchester United’s history of costly signings that fail to deliver. With the transfer deadline approaching, the pressure is on United to make decisions that will shape the remainder of the season and the club’s long-term prospects.