Manchester United turn to Kevin Filling to future proof their attack
The 2024/25 season was nothing short of a nightmare for Manchester United. The team finished 15th in the Premier League 2024/25, which is considered to be one of the worst performances in the club’s history. The defeat to Spurs in the Europa League final added salt to the injury, and now being out of European football in the 2025/26 campaign is hurting the faithful of Old Trafford. Ruben Amorim may have taken the managerial seat mid-season, but by that time, the situation had deteriorated considerably.
The club have been active in the summer transfer window and signed big names like Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo. Young Portuguese talent Diogo Leon has also been added to the academy setup. Nevertheless, United are focusing on squad depth and future planning for better performance in the coming season. Along with senior signings, the club are also eyeing young prospects who could become the first-team backbone in the future.
Swedish Sensation Kevin Filling!
According to Swedish outlet Expressen, Manchester United have AIK’s 16-year-old striker Kevin Filling on their radar. The right-footed forward caught the attention of scouts with his debut goal against Gothenburg in June. Reports suggest that United have made ‘concrete enquiries’ and plans could be made to sign Filling and send him on loan to feeder club Lausanne. AIK do not want to sell their young prodigy for now, as the club want to develop him by giving him regular game-time after his injury.
Star of the future
Filling’s goal-scoring instincts and pace are believed to be his biggest strengths. He started out at Vasteras as a 14-year-old before moving to AIK and then proving himself with goals at every level during a loan spell at Enkopings. The Swedish youngster’s calm finishing ability, combined with maturity, has earned him a spot among Scandinavian football’s hottest teenage properties.
With Manchester United’s new sporting structure, signings like Kevin Filling could be a jackpot for the club. Fans have been wanting the club to move away from short-term fixes and instead rely on youngsters who can become the club’s identity in the future. Filling may be raw talent right now, but his hunger and technical finishing could make him a next-generation striker. United’s current first-team do not have a solid young striker and hence need to strengthen the pipeline from the academy.
If this signing comes through, it will strengthen the club’s youth-first philosophy. This makes it clear that United are thinking not just for today, but for tomorrow as well. To get back to top-four contention in the Premier League, spending money on big names alone won’t do. Early investment in intelligent youngsters like Kevin Filling could make the club a long-distance runner. These signings could return Old Trafford to its glory days – let’s just hope the board gets it right this time.