The summer hiring for Manchester United hasn’t quite gone as planned; the only player they’ve brought in is Mason Mount, a Chelsea transfer.

Erik ten Hag is aware that several areas will need to be rectified, especially in the frontline and goalkeeping units. Andre Onana appears to be on the verge of joining the Old Trafford team, which would offer United a reliable option in goal, but their attacking options are lacking.

In light of this, Spanish daily ABC (via Sport Witness) reports that the Red Devils have been connected with a transfer for Atletico Madrid striker Joo Félix as they attempt to compete with fellow Premier League teams Aston Villa and Newcastle United for his services this summer.

If any club wants to sign him during the transfer season, the La Liga team has set a whopping price tag of €140 million (£120 million), and this could prove to be a major roadblock for Ten Hag.

The Portuguese star scored just four goals in 20 appearances for the Blues while on loan at Chelsea in the second half of last season, suggesting that Atletico may need to decrease their demands if they want to offload him before the transfer window closes.

Joo Félix might sign with Manchester United.

It is definitely a possibility, especially given the nature of the transfer market, and United might try their luck by making a bid to test the Spanish team’s resolve. After all, the United attack plainly needs some strength added after scoring just 58 league goals last season.

They would not only be getting a front who has excelled in the Champions League in the past, but also a forward who is comparable to Marcus Rashford if they were to sign the £195k per week star, who can play either as a centre-forward or out on the wing.

It’s not a bad comparison for Felix to have, as FBref ranks the current Atletico star as the third-most comparable player to Rashford. The Englishman had an outstanding season in 2022–2023, scoring 30 goals and grabbing 11 assists as he showed Ten Hag that he could be relied on as United’s primary goal source.

In fact, the pair had comparable attacking metrics from the previous domestic season, including shots per 90 (4.07 to 3.38), shot-creating actions per 90 (3.39 to 3.06), goal-creating actions per 90 (0.34 to 0.44), and crosses delivered (27 to 24). This suggests that both players pose a serious attacking threat in the final third.

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Felix was described as “special” by his former colleague Alvaro Morata, while U23 scout Antonio Mango complimented the 23-year-old as a “dream” earlier this year. When Felix is at his best, there is no doubt that he is among the best attacking players on the continent.

But could Ten Hag restore Felix to his former glory? He might work wonders with Rashford, especially given how much the kid resembles the United talisman.

Although £120 million may be excessive, the Red Devils would be wise to try to negotiate a lower price.