Man United Launch £26m Bid for Red-Hot Former Premier League Striker in January Shake-Up

Man United Launch £26m Bid for Red-Hot Former Premier League Striker in January Shake-Up

Manchester United have officially submitted a £26 million bid for Real Betis striker Cucho Hernández, as the club looks to reinforce its attacking options following a mixed start to the season. With Benjamin Šeško struggling to find form and nursing a knee injury, United are pushing aggressively ahead of January to secure a new forward capable of bringing energy, mobility, and goals.

Šeško’s early months at Old Trafford have been underwhelming, with just two goals in 11 league appearances, while backup striker Joshua Zirkzee—who recently ended his own goal drought—has attracted heavy interest from West Ham and AS Roma. With the Dutchman potentially on his way out, manager Ruben Amorim has identified the striker position as an urgent priority, setting the stage for United’s first major move of the winter window.

Cucho Hernández has quickly risen under Manuel Pellegrini at Real Betis, becoming a vital part of their attack this season. He has already delivered five goals and two assists in La Liga, as well as scoring in the Europa League during Betis’ 2–1 win over Utrecht. His hard-working style and relentless desire to attack have earned him praise in both Spain and England — with former Watford boss Claudio Ranieri famously calling him “a fighter who gives 100% every training session.”

Betis are reportedly tempted by United’s financially strong offer, but the La Liga side now faces a dilemma. Cucho has been central to their success this season, and replacing him in January would be extremely difficult. Even so, United are confident the 26-year-old fits their system perfectly and can offer more immediate impact than their current options.

While there are concerns about Cucho’s previous spell in the Premier League — where he scored five goals for Watford — his current form suggests a player entering the peak of his career. With Šeško misfiring and Zirkzee’s future uncertain, Manchester United’s move for the Colombian marks the start of what could be a dramatic winter rebuild at Old Trafford.