Manchester United are reportedly exploring a move for Brentford striker Igor Thiago as they look to add more firepower to Michael Carrick’s squad ahead of the new season.
According to reports, United have held internal discussions over a potential deal for the 25-year-old Brazilian, who enjoyed an outstanding campaign with Brentford last season.
While no formal negotiations have taken place, the club is understood to have made initial contact with the player’s representatives to assess his situation.
Impressive Premier League breakthrough
Thiago emerged as one of the Premier League’s standout forwards during the 2025/26 season, scoring 22 league goals in 38 appearances.
His tally left him second only to Manchester City’s Erling Haaland in the race for the Golden Boot, while he finished the campaign with 25 goals in 40 matches across all competitions.
United are believed to be keen to increase competition in attack despite signing Benjamin Sesko last summer.
The Slovenian striker scored 12 goals in 32 appearances during his debut season at Old Trafford but was often used as an impact substitute and is currently recovering from a shin injury.
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Zirkzee’s unsettled future
The club are also facing uncertainty over Joshua Zirkzee’s future. The Dutch forward has struggled to establish himself since arriving from Bologna in a deal worth around £36.5 million, with Juventus reportedly interested in taking him back to Serie A this summer.
With Zirkzee’s future unresolved, United are assessing alternative options who already have Premier League experience, and Thiago is seen as an attractive candidate after adapting quickly to English football.
However, securing a deal is expected to be far from straightforward. Brentford are reluctant to lose one of their key players following his prolific campaign and are not actively looking to sell.
Transfer journalist Ben Jacobs says any move remains at an early stage.
“Igor Thiago has been discussed, somebody that’s Premier League ready,” Jacobs said.
“Nothing more than that at this stage, more of an internal conversation and a normal player call to understand his situation.
“Getting him out this summer will be incredibly difficult.”
Although United’s interest is still in its infancy, Thiago has emerged as another name on the club’s shortlist as Carrick continues shaping his squad for a campaign that includes both domestic and European football.
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