The need for a new striker at Manchester United is there for all to see, with their lack of ability within the final third hugely evident throughout the 2024/25 campaign.
Ruben Amorim’s side only managed to find the back of the net on 44 occasions in their 38 Premier League outings, an average of just 1.15 goals per match.
Amad Diallo and Bruno Fernandes ended the season as the joint-top scorers, both registering eight goals, with no player in the squad registering double figures, highlighting the need for added reinforcements.
Two centre-forward options, Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee, only managed seven league goals between them, with the former hugely touted with a move to Inter Milan this summer.
Given such form, it’s a surprise to no one to see the hierarchy prioritising a move for a player in such a department, with countless players already on their radar.
The latest on United’s hunt for new attackers this summer
Over the last couple of weeks, numerous names have been mentioned to fill the striker void at Old Trafford, but no deals have yet been agreed to bolster Amorim’s side.
The likes of Hugo Ekitiké, Moise Kean and Aleksandar Mitrovic have all been mentioned as potential summer signings for the Red Devils, but it appears that attention has been turned elsewhere.
Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen is the latest on their radar this summer, with the Napoli talisman expected to leave the Serie A outfit, according to United In Focus.
Their report claims that talks have already been held for the 26-year-old star over a move to Old Trafford, undoubtedly providing a superb option for the club after scoring 37 times on loan at Galatasaray in 2024/25.
It also states that after rejecting a move to Saudi Arabia, his priority is a switch to the Premier League, potentially seeing the Red Devils move to the front of the queue for his signature.
Why United’s latest target would be a better signing than Gyokeres
Viktor Gyokeres has been a player firmly on United’s radar over the last couple of months, unsurprisingly so given his previous stint under Amorim.
The Swede netted 54 goals in his 52 appearances across all competitions this campaign, undoubtedly being one of the hottest prospects in Europe, with Arsenal also in the race for his services.
It was reported earlier this week that the hierarchy have made contact with the 27-year-old’s representatives over a switch to the Premier League, with a £55m transfer fee mooted.
There’s no doubt that such a goalscoring record would improve the situation at the manager’s disposal, but he’s never showcased his talents in Europe’s top five leagues, posing a potential risk given his price tag.
Osimhen has managed to thrive in such a department, scoring 65 league goals in his five seasons as a first-team regular with Napoli – helping them claim the Scudetto back in 2022/23. He’s truly one of the great forwards, with European football expert Zach Lowy notably suggesting he is already “one of the best strikers of this century.”
When comparing their stats from the ongoing campaign, the Nigerian has managed to outperform him in numerous key areas, further backing up why he’d be a better addition.
He may have registered fewer goals to date, but has notched a higher goal per shot on target rate, highlighting his clinical edge within the final third.
Games played
30
33
Goals & assists
31
46
Shots on target
2.2
2
Goals per shot on target
0.4
0.3
Aerials won
4.3
0.6
Aerial success rate
64%
30%
Take-on success
60%
27%
He’s also won more aerials and completed more take-ons, handing Amorim an all-round option that could take United to the next level throughout 2025/26.
Whilst either of the pair would hand the club the talisman they’ve been craving in recent months, it’s pivotal that, with such big money being spent, the right man arrives in the coming months.
From the stats produced and their previous experience in Europe, it’s evident that the Nigerian would be the better choice, pushing them in the right direction to try and return to their former glory.
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