BREAKING NEWS: “Julian Álvarez Would Still Struggle at Manchester United – Sell Him or Forget Signing a Striker” – Ian Wright Names the One Player Holding United Back
Arsenal legend Ian Wright has delivered a brutal and uncompromising verdict on Manchester United’s attacking problems, warning the club that even an elite striker like Julian Álvarez would struggle to succeed unless one specific player is sold.
Speaking during a heated discussion on United’s long-standing issues in front of goal, Wright made it clear that the problem at Old Trafford is not the quality of the strikers, but the environment they are being asked to operate in.
“Julian Álvarez will still struggle at Man United because of that guy,” Wright said. “He must be sold, or Manchester United should forget signing a striker.”
According to Wright, the player at the centre of the issue is Marcus Rashford — a name that has increasingly divided opinion among fans, pundits, and former professionals.
Wright argued that Rashford’s playing style makes life extremely difficult for traditional No.9s, regardless of their talent, movement, or finishing ability.
“Strikers live off service,” Wright explained. “Timing, movement, combinations — that’s how goals happen. But when one player dominates attacks, holds onto the ball too long, and always wants to be the hero, strikers starve.”
While Wright acknowledged Rashford’s individual quality and moments of brilliance, he insisted that Manchester United’s system has become too focused on accommodating him, often at the expense of centre-forwards.
This, Wright believes, is why multiple strikers have arrived at Old Trafford with big reputations, only to underperform or lose confidence. The issue, in his view, is structural and stylistic — not personal.
“You can bring Osimhen, you can bring Álvarez, you can bring anyone,” Wright continued. “If the system stays the same and that role doesn’t change, the striker will always look like the problem.”
Julian Álvarez has been heavily linked with a move away amid growing competition for minutes, and Manchester United are believed to admire his intelligence, work rate, and finishing. However, Wright’s comments echo concerns already circulating among analysts — that United are not currently built to support a high-level striker.
Álvarez thrives on quick combinations, selfless movement, and teammates who release the ball early. Wright warned that without a major attacking reset, United would risk damaging another elite forward’s confidence and reputation.
Fans have reacted strongly to Wright’s remarks, with social media split down the middle. Some supporters agree that United’s attack lacks balance and cohesion, while others argue that Rashford remains one of the club’s most decisive players and should be protected.
From a broader perspective, Wright’s comments align with growing calls for Manchester United to redefine their attacking identity under Michael Carrick. Rather than relying on isolated moments of individual brilliance, the club must create a structure where forwards elevate each other.
“Top teams don’t build around one attacker anymore,” Wright concluded. “They build systems. If United don’t change that, no striker will ever truly shine there.”
As the transfer window approaches, Wright’s message leaves Manchester United with a stark choice: reshape the attack from the ground up — or stop pretending that a new striker alone will fix the problem.
For now, the warning is clear. The name on the back of the striker’s shirt may change — but without deeper changes, the outcome won’t.
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