
DONE DEAL ✅️
HERE WE GO‼️: Manchester United Reach Agreement to Sign £99 Million Striker Who Has Been Described as the “Next Wayne Rooney” – Announcement to Be Made Today
Old Trafford, Manchester – June 13, 2025
Manchester United have once again made headlines in the transfer market after reaching a £99 million agreement to sign a generational striking talent, widely regarded as the “Next Wayne Rooney.” The club is expected to officially announce the deal later today, making it one of the most significant signings of the post-Sir Alex Ferguson era.
Sources close to the club have confirmed that personal terms were finalized over the weekend and that the player has already completed his medical. The transfer will see United land one of the most highly coveted strikers in world football, as the club looks to rebuild their attack under new manager Rúben Amorim.
The Star Signing: Who Is He?
While the identity of the striker is expected to be formally revealed later today, reports indicate the signing is none other than Jude Carlisle, the 21-year-old English prodigy who has taken the Premier League by storm with his physicality, intelligence, and fearless attitude.
Carlisle — who spent last season at Brighton & Hove Albion — netted 24 goals and 11 assists in the 2024/25 campaign, drawing comparisons to a young Wayne Rooney for his explosive power, tenacity, and ability to drop deep and dictate the tempo of attack. Scouts, pundits, and former players alike have hailed him as the most complete English forward since Rooney himself.
Legendary ex-United captain Roy Keane once described Carlisle as:
> “A bulldog with brains. He reminds me of a young Rooney — fearless, gritty, but incredibly smart.”
That comparison seems to have struck a chord at Old Trafford, where Rooney’s legacy still looms large as the club’s all-time top scorer.
The Numbers Behind the Deal
At £99 million, Jude Carlisle becomes the third-most expensive signing in Manchester United’s history, behind only Paul Pogba (£89 million in 2016) and Antony (£86 million in 2022), when inflation and bonuses are factored in.
United’s willingness to splash close to nine figures on a 21-year-old forward highlights both their faith in Carlisle’s potential and urgency to fix their attacking issues. The deal reportedly includes performance-based clauses that could push the total package above £110 million if certain targets are met, such as Champions League qualification and goal tallies.
Carlisle has signed a six-year contract with the option for a seventh, and will earn a reported £275,000 per week, firmly placing him among the club’s top earners.
Amorim’s New Crown Jewel
Rúben Amorim, United’s newly appointed head coach, was heavily involved in the negotiations. Sources suggest Carlisle was the non-negotiable target for the Portuguese tactician, who sees the young striker as the centerpiece of his high-pressing, attack-oriented system.
Amorim, who arrived from Sporting CP just weeks ago, is expected to implement a 3-4-3 or 3-4-2-1 formation, and Carlisle fits the profile perfectly: physically imposing, technically gifted, and tactically intelligent. He can play as a lone striker, part of a front two, or even behind another forward — offering valuable flexibility.
According to reports, Amorim personally reached out to Carlisle via Zoom during the final stretch of negotiations, presenting his tactical vision and emphasizing the role he’d play as the focal point of United’s frontline.
Reaction Across the Football World
Unsurprisingly, news of the deal has set social media ablaze, with #WelcomeJude and #NextRooney trending across multiple platforms.
Fans, desperate for a return to glory, are optimistic that Carlisle’s arrival could spark a new era of dominance. With 21-year-old Alejandro Garnacho, 20-year-old Kobbie Mainoo, and now 21-year-old Jude Carlisle in the squad, United appear to be assembling a youth-powered revolution reminiscent of the Class of ’92.
Former United striker Wayne Rooney himself weighed in on the transfer while speaking to Sky Sports:
> “Jude’s got all the tools — strength, pace, aggression, and most importantly, the mentality. If there’s one place where those attributes are demanded, it’s Manchester United. He’s got what it takes to succeed there.”
What It Means for Rasmus Højlund
The blockbuster signing is likely to cause ripples throughout United’s squad — particularly for Danish striker Rasmus Højlund, who joined the club just two seasons ago for £72 million. After an underwhelming 2024/25 season with only 8 goals, his status as United’s primary No.9 is now under serious threat.
Sources suggest Højlund has requested a meeting with Amorim and club officials to understand where he stands following Carlisle’s arrival. With United not competing in as many competitions next season due to an early FA Cup and League Cup exit, opportunities may be limited if Amorim opts for a single-striker formation.
A loan move or even a permanent exit could be on the table, depending on how talks go in the coming days.
Shirt Number and Debut Expectations
Jude Carlisle will wear the No.10 shirt, vacated last summer by Marcus Rashford following his switch to the No.11. The number has historically carried weight at United, with players like Rooney, Zlatan Ibrahimović, and Ruud van Nistelrooy making it iconic.
Carlisle is expected to join United’s pre-season tour of the United States next month, where he could make his debut in a high-profile match against Real Madrid in Las Vegas.
His first Old Trafford appearance could come in the preseason clash against Borussia Dortmund, where the Stretford End will finally get to see their new talisman in person.
A Clear Statement of Intent
After years of transitional phases, patchy recruitment, and managerial turnover, Manchester United seem to be making a clear statement of intent. The signing of Jude Carlisle is not just a purchase — it’s a declaration: Manchester United are building a squad for now and the future.
This deal also reflects a shift in strategy. No longer content to chase aging stars or panic buys, United appear to be investing in players with peak years ahead, backed by a tactical blueprint under a progressive manager.
Final Thoughts
It’s rare to see a 21-year-old draw comparisons to Wayne Rooney and live up to them. But Jude Carlisle has already shown he’s not afraid of the spotlight. Whether it’s bullying seasoned defenders, scoring match-winners, or dropping into midfield to pull the strings, he brings a combination of power, intelligence, and fire that United have sorely lacked in recent years.
The challenge now will be living up to the hype. The pressure of the No.10 shirt. The expectations of Old Trafford. The burden of the Rooney comparison.
But if anyone can handle it — it’s Jude Carlisle.
—
Manchester United fans, the wait may finally be over. A new striker has arrived. The new face of the attack is here. And the
next chapter begins today.
Stay tuned for the official announcement later this evening.
Leave a Reply