Manchester United’s hopes of reinforcing their attack in the January transfer window have taken a hit, with Bayer Leverkusen forward Victor Boniface reportedly ruling out a move to Old Trafford.
The 23-year-old Nigerian international, known for his prolific scoring record, has decided against joining the Red Devils despite their reported interest.
After a disappointing start to the 2024-25 Premier League campaign, Manchester United parted ways with Erik ten Hag earlier this month, appointing Ruben Amorim as the new manager. However, Amorim’s tenure began with a 1-1 draw against Ipswich Town, leaving United languishing in 12th place in the league standings.
Goal-scoring has been a persistent issue for the Red Devils this season. With only 12 goals scored, they rank among the league’s lowest scorers, surpassing just Everton, Southampton, and Crystal Palace.
Key forwards such as Joshua Zirkzee and Rasmus Højlund have managed only one goal each, while Marcus Rashford netted his second of the season during Sunday’s match.
As Manchester United seek solutions to their attacking woes, Boniface emerged as a potential target. Since joining Bayer Leverkusen from Belgian side Union SG in 2023, the forward has netted an impressive 20 Bundesliga goals in 33 appearances.
This season, Boniface has continued his strong form with eight goals and one assist in 15 matches across all competitions, helping Xabi Alonso’s team mount a strong defense of their Bundesliga title.
Despite United’s interest, reports suggest Boniface has dismissed the idea of moving to Old Trafford during the upcoming transfer window. Sources cited by Football365 describe the decision as a significant setback for the Premier League giants, who had viewed Boniface as a long-term solution to their attacking struggles.
With Boniface out of the picture, Manchester United must pivot to other potential targets as they aim to strengthen their squad under Amorim’s guidance. The January transfer window will prove crucial as the club seeks to reverse their fortunes in the second half of the season.
Meanwhile, Bayer Leverkusen will be relieved to retain their star forward, whose performances have been pivotal in their quest for Bundesliga glory.