Former Manchester United stars are urging the club to prioritise Victor Osimhen this summer, arguing his proven goalscoring record — 22 league goals for Galatasaray and a prolific Napoli pedigree — would supply the clinical striker United still lack under Michael Carrick and help turn promise into trophies.
Manchester United urged to make Victor Osimhen summer priority
Patrice Evra and Louis Saha have publicly pushed Manchester United to pursue Victor Osimhen as the striker capable of elevating Michael Carrick’s side. The 27-year-old’s recent form — 22 league goals in Turkey and a long-term scoring record at Napoli — is being presented as the missing piece for a United attack that showed promise but lacks a dominant, proven number nine.
Why Osimhen fits the brief
Osimhen combines physical presence, pace and a consistent goalscoring record across top leagues. He scored 76 goals in 133 matches for Napoli and then netted 22 for Galatasaray as they won the Turkish title. Those credentials speak to his ability to perform in high-pressure environments and carry the attacking load over a full season.
Where United stand up front
United added Benjamin Sesko, Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo last summer to bolster the frontline, the trio costing upward of £200m collectively. Individually, Sesko and Mbeumo each scored 11 Premier League goals in debut campaigns at Old Trafford, with Cunha contributing 10. Yet none profile as an obvious, elite central striker who can consistently dominate in the penalty box.
Managerial context: Michael Carrick’s brief, bright spell
After a difficult start under Ruben Amorim, Carrick steadied United and won 12 of 17 games to secure a top-three finish. The team scored only two fewer goals than champions Arsenal, underlining attacking potential. Still, Carrick’s switch to a steadier structure exposed the need for a clinical finisher who can convert chances and lead from the front across all competitions.
Squad balance and immediate needs
United face multiple transitions: Casemiro’s exit creates a midfield replacement requirement, and defensive depth — particularly at left-back — remains a talking point. The club is reportedly close to a £37m deal for an Atalanta midfielder, signalling midfield reinforcements are on the agenda. Investing in Osimhen would be a statement signing that prioritises match-winning firepower alongside those other needs.
Cost, contract and realism
Osimhen is under contract at Galatasaray until 2029 and arrived from Napoli for a substantial fee, so any move would be expensive. That said, ex-United players argue the cost is justified: they view him not as a luxury but as a transformational acquisition who could immediately raise United’s ceiling in the Premier League and Europe.
What signing Osimhen would change
Tactically, Osimhen would give Carrick a central focal point for attacks — improving chance conversion and creating space for wide threats. Psychologically, a high-profile, proven striker can galvanise a squad and fanbase hungry for silverware. For rotation across league, cup and European commitments, his durability and experience would be valuable.
Risks and next steps
The biggest obstacles are financial and logistical: transfer fee, wages and convincing a player thriving in Istanbul to move to Old Trafford. United must also weigh squad harmony and opportunities for existing forwards if they pursue a marquee frontman. Realistically, the club’s hierarchy will need to prioritise which areas to strengthen and whether a marquee striker is the best use of funds this summer.
Bottom line
Osimhen would address a genuine gap at Manchester United — a proven, dominant centre-forward capable of changing tight games.
Konate's Liverpool exit an unwanted complication ahead of crucial window
If United are serious about closing the gap on domestic and continental rivals, pursuing a striker of his calibre should be high on the agenda, even if it requires significant investment and squad reconfiguration.
Mirror
