Advanced Forward (No. 9)
A center-forward who leads the line, holds up play, and finishes chances inside the box. In Michael Carrick’s system, the advanced forward is often a physical presence who can occupy center-backs and create space for the inside forwards and attacking midfielders. The role demands not only goals but also intelligent movement to drag defenders out of position.
The profile Manchester United typically scouts for this position includes a player with a strong aerial presence, good hold-up play, and the ability to finish with both feet. The Red Devils have historically favored forwards who can play with their back to goal while also having the pace to run in behind. In the summer 2026 window, the club is expected to target a striker who can contribute 15-20 league goals per season and fit into Carrick’s fluid attacking structure.
Inside Forward (Left/Right)
A wide attacker who starts from the flank but drifts into central areas to combine with the striker and attacking midfielder. Unlike traditional wingers who stay wide and deliver crosses, inside forwards cut inside onto their stronger foot to shoot or play through balls. In the current Manchester United setup, this role is crucial for creating overloads in the half-spaces.
The ideal inside forward possesses close control, acceleration over short distances, and a clinical finish from the edge of the box. They must also be willing to track back and help the full-back defensively, as Carrick’s system requires defensive discipline from all attacking players. The summer 2026 targets for this position are likely to be players who can operate on either flank and have a proven record of goal contributions in a top European league.
False Nine
A forward who drops deep into midfield to receive the ball, creating space for wingers or attacking midfielders to run into. This role blurs the line between striker and playmaker, requiring exceptional vision, passing range, and tactical intelligence. Manchester United have occasionally used this approach when facing deep-block defenses that sit back and deny space in behind.
The false nine must be comfortable playing with their back to goal under pressure and have the ability to turn and drive at defenders. They also need the stamina to cover large areas of the pitch, as they are expected to drop into midfield and then burst forward into the box. This is a specialist role that few players can execute consistently, but it offers tactical flexibility when the team needs to break down stubborn opposition.
Target Man
A physical center-forward who uses their body to shield the ball, win aerial duels, and bring teammates into play. The target man is often the focal point of the attack, holding up long balls and laying them off to midfield runners or wingers. This role is particularly useful against teams that press high, as it provides an outlet to bypass the press and quickly transition into attack.
Key attributes for a target man include strength, balance, and the ability to read the flight of the ball. They must also have a strong work ethic to press from the front and close down defenders. While not always the most glamorous role in modern football, a reliable target man can be invaluable in tight matches where the team needs to go direct and win second balls.
Poacher
A forward who stays high up the pitch, making runs in behind the defense and finishing chances inside the box. The poacher relies on anticipation, movement, and composure rather than physicality or creativity. They often score tap-ins, rebounds, and one-on-one finishes, thriving on service from wide areas and through balls.
The poacher’s role is to be in the right place at the right time, exploiting defensive lapses and goalkeeper errors. They must have quick reactions and the ability to finish with one touch under pressure. While the modern game often demands more all-round contributions from forwards, a specialist poacher can still be effective when the team creates plenty of chances and needs a clinical finisher to convert them.
Shadow Striker
An attacking midfielder or second forward who plays just behind the main striker, operating in the space between the opposition’s midfield and defense. The shadow striker is primarily a goal scorer who makes late runs into the box, but they also contribute to build-up play by dropping deep to link midfield and attack.
This role requires excellent timing of runs, a powerful shot from distance, and the ability to arrive late in the box undetected. The shadow striker must also have good awareness to find pockets of space and combine with the striker and wingers. In Carrick’s system, this player often has freedom to roam and create chances, making them a difficult player for opponents to mark.
Winger (Traditional)
A wide player who stays close to the touchline, takes on full-backs one-on-one, and delivers crosses into the box. The traditional winger is a specialist in creating chances from wide areas, using pace, dribbling, and crossing ability to stretch the opposition defense. This role is less common in modern football but can be effective when the team has a strong aerial presence in the box.
The key attributes for a traditional winger are explosive pace, close control at speed, and the ability to deliver accurate crosses with both feet. They must also have the stamina to repeatedly make runs up and down the flank, both in attack and defense. In games where the opposition sits deep, a traditional winger can provide the width needed to create crossing opportunities.
Inverted Winger
A wide attacker who plays on the opposite side of their stronger foot, cutting inside onto their preferred foot to shoot or pass. The inverted winger is a common feature in modern tactical systems, as they can create goal-scoring opportunities from central positions while still providing width in the attacking phase.
This role requires excellent dribbling ability, the confidence to take on defenders in tight spaces, and a powerful shot from distance. The inverted winger must also be able to combine with the full-back overlapping on the outside, creating numerical advantages in wide areas. Manchester United have often used inverted wingers to create overloads in central areas, allowing the striker and attacking midfielder to find space.
Attacking Midfielder (No. 10)
A creative midfielder who plays centrally behind the striker, responsible for creating chances and linking midfield with attack. The No. 10 is often the team’s primary playmaker, dictating the tempo of attacks and providing the final pass before a goal-scoring opportunity. This role requires exceptional vision, passing range, and the ability to operate in tight spaces.
The attacking midfielder must also contribute goals, making late runs into the box and shooting from distance. They need the stamina to press high up the pitch and the discipline to track back when the team loses possession. In Carrick’s system, the No. 10 has significant freedom to roam and find space, making them a key creative outlet.
Second Striker
A forward who plays alongside a main striker, often dropping deeper to receive the ball and create chances for their partner. The second striker is a hybrid role, combining the goal-scoring instincts of a forward with the creativity of an attacking midfielder. They must be comfortable playing in tight spaces and have the vision to pick out runs from the main striker.
Key attributes for a second striker include good passing range, dribbling ability, and the intelligence to find space between the lines. They must also have the work rate to press from the front and the composure to finish chances when they arrive in the box. This role is particularly effective in two-striker formations, where the second striker can link play and create overloads in central areas.
Box-to-Box Forward
A forward who covers large areas of the pitch, contributing both in attack and defense. The box-to-box forward is expected to press high, track back to help the midfield, and still arrive in the box to score goals. This role requires exceptional stamina, tactical discipline, and the ability to read the game.
The box-to-box forward must be comfortable playing in multiple positions, from wide areas to central areas, and have the versatility to adapt to different tactical demands. They are often the first line of defense, pressing opposition defenders and forcing errors. This role is less common among specialist forwards but is valued in systems that require high work rates and tactical flexibility from all attacking players.
Complete Forward
A forward who possesses all the attributes required to lead the line effectively: finishing, hold-up play, dribbling, passing, and defensive work rate. The complete forward is a rare breed, combining physicality with technical ability and tactical intelligence. They can play as a lone striker, in a partnership, or as a false nine, adapting to the team’s needs.
The complete forward is the ideal target for any top club, as they offer versatility and reliability in attack. They must be able to score with both feet, head the ball, and create chances for teammates. In modern football, the complete forward is often the difference between a good team and a great one, providing the cutting edge needed to win tight matches.
Pace Merchant
A forward who relies primarily on explosive speed to beat defenders and get in behind the opposition defense. The pace merchant is a specialist in running onto through balls and stretching the defense, creating space for teammates. They must have exceptional acceleration and top speed, as well as the ability to finish chances when through on goal.
While pace is the primary attribute, the pace merchant must also have good movement off the ball to find space in behind. They often stay high up the pitch, waiting for opportunities to exploit gaps in the defense. This role is particularly effective against high defensive lines, where the pace merchant can use their speed to get in behind and create goal-scoring chances.
Hold-Up Forward
A forward who specializes in receiving the ball with their back to goal and holding off defenders to bring teammates into play. The hold-up forward is a physical presence who can win aerial duels, shield the ball, and lay it off to midfield runners or wingers. This role is crucial for teams that play direct football or need an outlet to relieve pressure.
Key attributes for a hold-up forward include strength, balance, and the ability to read the game. They must also have good passing ability to find teammates in advanced positions. While they may not score as many goals as other forward types, their contribution to build-up play and creating space for others is invaluable.
Link-Up Forward
A forward who excels at combining with teammates in tight spaces, using one-touch passing and intelligent movement to create chances. The link-up forward is often a technical player who drops deep to receive the ball and then plays quick passes to release wingers or midfield runners. This role requires excellent close control, vision, and the ability to play under pressure.
The link-up forward must have good awareness of teammates’ positions and the ability to execute quick combinations in the final third. They are often the focal point of possession-based attacks, where the team builds slowly and looks for openings. This role is less about individual goal scoring and more about creating opportunities for the team through intelligent movement and passing.
Deep-Lying Forward
A forward who drops deep into midfield to receive the ball and initiate attacks, similar to a false nine but with a greater emphasis on build-up play. The deep-lying forward is often a creative player who can dictate the tempo of attacks and provide the final pass. They must have excellent passing range, vision, and the ability to turn and drive at defenders.
This role requires the forward to read the game well and know when to drop deep and when to stay high. They must also have the stamina to cover large areas of the pitch and the discipline to track back defensively. The deep-lying forward is a key component in systems that prioritize possession and patient build-up play.
Wide Forward
A forward who starts from a wide position but operates primarily as a goal scorer rather than a creator. The wide forward is similar to an inside forward but with a greater emphasis on getting into the box and scoring goals. They must have good movement off the ball, the ability to finish chances from wide areas, and the pace to get in behind the defense.
Key attributes for a wide forward include acceleration, dribbling ability, and composure in front of goal. They must also be willing to track back and help the full-back defensively. This role is common in systems that use a front three, where the wide forwards are expected to contribute goals as well as assists.
Central Forward
A forward who plays through the middle of the pitch, leading the line and providing a focal point for the attack. The central forward is often the team’s primary goal scorer, responsible for finishing chances and holding up play. They must have a strong physical presence, good movement in the box, and the ability to score with both feet and their head.
The central forward is the most traditional role in football, requiring a combination of strength, skill, and intelligence. They must be able to play with their back to goal, run in behind, and link up with teammates. In modern football, the central forward is often asked to press from the front and contribute to the team’s defensive shape.
Support Striker
A forward who plays just behind the main striker, providing support and creating chances for the team’s primary goal scorer. The support striker is a creative player who drops deep to receive the ball and then looks to play through balls or combine with the main striker. They must have good vision, passing ability, and the intelligence to find space between the lines.
This role requires the support striker to have a good understanding with the main striker, knowing when to drop deep and when to make runs into the box. They must also have the stamina to press from the front and the discipline to track back defensively. The support striker is a key component in two-striker formations, where they provide the link between midfield and attack.
What to Check When Researching Forward Transfer Targets
When evaluating potential forward signings for Manchester United, consider the following factors:
- Goal-scoring record in a competitive league: Look for consistent goal contributions over multiple seasons, not just one standout campaign.
- Fit with Carrick’s tactical system: The forward must be able to press from the front, hold up play, and combine with the attacking midfielders.
- Age and potential for development: The club typically targets players in their prime (22-27) who can contribute immediately and have resale value.
- Injury history and physical profile: A forward who can stay fit and handle the physical demands of the Premier League is essential.
- Contract situation and transfer fee: Realistic targets are those with manageable fees and wages that fit the club’s financial structure.
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