Manchester United have been credited with interest in Real Betis striker Troy Parrott, but must not act out of desperation, despite the clouds that currently hang over Old Trafford.

The Red Devils invested heavily on bolstering their midfield this summer, with Carlos Baleba, Enzo Fernandez and Andrey Santos all snapped up. However, Man Utd failed to recruit in other key areas of Michael Carrick, including at full-back and up front.

This week, Lisandro Martinez gave a blockbuster interview following the 2-0 defeat to Atletico Madrid, demanding more investment. Man Utd fans would, no doubt, love to see that - but the club cannot react recklessly.

Man Utd scout Real Betis star Troy Parrott

Following dropped points to Tottenham Hotspur and the defeat to Atletico, Man Utd were credited with interest in Parrott. The 24-year-old only joined Real Betis this summer, but is believed to have a release clause in his contract.

The fee for that release clause is reported to be anywhere between €80 million and €100 million, or £67 million to £84 million. The Red Devils are known to have scouts in Spain watching Parrott, as per the Manchester Evening News, and the player has also been linked with a return to former club Tottenham Hotspur.

The striker's fine form on the international stage for Ireland has seen his stock skyrocket over the past 12 months, famously scoring a hat-trick in the 3-2 World Cup qualifying win over Hungary a year ago.

Troy Parrott 2025/26 statistics -

Man Utd must not act out of desperation

What's clear is that Carrick is not best pleased with his current striking options. Benjamin Sesko has played just 76 minutes of Premier League football this season as he makes his way back from a shin injury.

Meanwhile, Joshua Zirkzee was rumoured to be on his way out of the club this summer but never made the move. He's been trusted with only 125 minutes this term.

Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha are both capable of leading the line, but neither are out-and-out strikers. Parrott would offer that profile.

However, while the striker has scored against Real Madrid and Lille this season, Parrott is still yet to prove himself at the very top level. Man Utd cannot afford to spend over £80 million on the striker, even if they are desperate.

The Irish international has played in the Premier League, but made just two appearances while a youngster at Tottenham. The talisman has come on leaps and bounds since then, plundering 31 goals across all competitions for AZ Alkmaar last season, but there remain questions over whether he has the physicality to play in top flight.

That was a criticism often levelled at the star when coming through the ranks at Spurs, and it's something the player is also aware of. When at AZ Alkmaar, he told The Independent: “Look, I tried England, I tried the Championship, I tried League One, I just wanted to explore something else in a different country, and, since I’ve been here, I’ve loved it. I feel it’s a lot less physical, it’s more technical, and that suits me as well.”

It's been a real zero-to-hero story for Parrott and his rapid rise may make such a large sum feel worthwhile, but activating the striker's lofty release clause must be a no-go for Man Utd.