Manchester United legend Paul Scholes has lamented the fact that his former club didn’t sign Alexander Isak when they had the opportunity.

The Swedish international was linked with a move to Old Trafford (among other destinations) prior to his transfer to Newcastle in the summer of 2022. Speaking on The Overlap, Scholes said there is no chance that his former side will be able to secure his signature now:

“He is a player that Manchester United should’ve been (and) would’ve been looking at. There’s no shadow of a doubt but, in the position we’re in now, it’s absolutely not going to happen.”

Isak has been in outstanding form this season, having found the back of the net 19 times in all competitions.

The Newcastle star has been likened to Thierry Henry

More than one pundit has mentioned that Isak has many of the same characteristics as an Arsenal legend.

Speaking after he terrorised the Gunners in the Carabao Cup last week, Jamie O’Hara said there were “shades” of Henry in the striker‘s playing style. Former Manchester City defender Nedum Omouha made similar remarks last month.

United need to add more goals up front

There is no doubt that head coach Ruben Amorim would dearly love someone like Isak in his squad but, as Scholes points out, he is very much beyond the club’s reach. Reports suggest that he could cost as much as £150m this summer.

However, Fabrizio Romano has said that the Red Devils are on the lookout for a new No.9. Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee have both toiled in the Premier League, scoring just 5 between them.

If Amorim’s side are to start challenging at the top end of the table, they will need someone a lot more prolific who can be brought in for a reasonable fee.

Find out who is in Manchester United’s first-team squad for the 2024/2025 season here