Manchester United’s poor start to the 2026/27 season has increased the need for a proven goalscorer, with Borussia Dortmund forward Serhou Guirassy emerging as a potential January target.

Michael Carrick guided United into the Champions League after replacing Ruben Amorim, and the club would have expected that achievement to provide a platform for a successful summer transfer window.

Instead, after nine league matches, United have won only once and are fourth from bottom. Their three major additions – the ageing Youri Tielemans, Andrey Santos, who is still seeking to establish himself at the highest level, and Carlos Baleba, who was injured until recently – have yet to make the expected impact.

The recruitment has also raised questions because other areas of the squad appeared to require more immediate attention. Benjamin Sesko’s injury in September came too late for United to find a replacement, but his absence for an unspecified period means the club may be eager for the January transfer window to arrive.

United have recently scouted four Borussia Dortmund players, with Guirassy reportedly attracting the greatest interest.

The 30-year-old has continued to score consistently despite his advancing years. He has registered 68 goals and 15 assists over the past three seasons, underlining his ability to provide a reliable attacking threat.

Guirassy would offer a different profile from Bryan Mbeumo and could either fill in for Sesko or provide another experienced option within the squad. His pace, physicality and awkward movement would also give opposing defences a different problem to solve.

Guirassy’s Dortmund numbers

In the current season, Guirassy has contested 67 aerial duels and won 33, both figures leading Dortmund’s squad. He has also been involved in 114 ground one-on-ones, with only Waldemar Anton, on 43, recording more.

His six fast breaks are another squad-best figure, while his shot accuracy of 58.82% places him among Dortmund’s most effective finishers.

Guirassy has attempted 41 shots, compared with 26 from the next-highest player, Fabio Silva. Although some team-mates have a better output in terms of results from this metric, they have not taken as many attempts.

He is the only Dortmund player to have scored more than one brace in 2026/27. He has also produced the most headed attempts at goal, with 12, and created 14 big chances – more than any other player in the squad.

His pass completion rate of 77.12% is not among the best at Dortmund, although centre-forwards generally record lower passing accuracy than their team-mates. United’s priority, however, would be his goalscoring.

Guirassy would probably represent only a semi-short-term solution, but his arrival could allow Sesko time to recover physically and mentally. The Slovenia international could also benefit from working alongside a more experienced striker, particularly in movement and finishing.

The signing would give Carrick – or his replacement if he leaves before January – an additional option for squad rotation. However, a deal remains distant. Guirassy’s Dortmund contract runs until the summer of 2028, leaving the Bundesliga club under little pressure to sell.

Dortmund are unbeaten and joint top of the Bundesliga with Bayern Munich, while United could be facing a relegation battle. The Premier League’s reputation may appeal to Guirassy, but United’s current situation may prove the biggest obstacle to any move.