Over the years gone by, the Manchester United faithful have been blessed with countless attacking talents who have led them to numerous triumphs domestically and continentally.
Cristiano Ronaldo, George Best and Wayne Rooney are just three players from separate times who have starred at Old Trafford - with the latter remaining their record scorer to this day.
However, current boss Ruben Amorim unfortunately doesn’t have the same luxury, with main striker Rasmus Hojlund’s drought of 21 games without a goal earlier this season showcasing the problems they’ve faced.
Hojlund-Man-Utd-Lyon
The Dane has struggled to provide value for money after costing £72m back in the summer of 2023, with a move away from the club potentially on the cards before the end of the transfer window.
Any funds generated from such a move could allow the manager to land a new talisman who could offer the huge presence needed in their hopes of a revival in 2025/26.
The latest on United’s hunt for a new talisman
With Matheus Cunha already arriving, but likely to operate in a number 10 role, Amorim will want the hierarchy to hand him added funds to make the big-money addition he craves at the top end.
Viktor Gyokeres has been one of the main targets in recent months, but a deal for the Swede appears to be dead in the water after it was confirmed he’s only interested in a move to Arsenal.
Sporting CP's Viktor Gyokeres celebrates scoring their third goal to complete his hat-trick
Such a turn of events over the last few days has seen a new name enter the mix, with Victor Osimhen the latest striker in their sights, according to one GOAL journalist.
He claims that the Red Devils have already made contact with the Nigerian’s representatives after he scored 37 times in 41 appearances on loan at Galatasaray from Napoli this season.
Furlan also states that they face competition from PSG, Chelsea and Arsenal for his signature, after he rejected a big-money move to Saudi Arabia earlier this summer.
Why Osimhen would be a better signing than Ekitike for United
In their hunt for a new striker, United have stumbled across Eintracht Frankfurt talisman Hugo Ekitiké in an attempt to improve the options at Amorim’s disposal.
Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike
The Frenchman has starred in the Bundesliga throughout 2024/25, registering 23 combined goals and assists in his 33 league outings - but he could cost a pretty penny this summer.
He’s also on the radar of fellow Premier League sides Arsenal and Chelsea, but any interested party will have to fork out a fee in the region of £84m to land the talisman.
There’s no denying he’s a quality player, as seen by his impressive tally this campaign, but such a fee may prove to be too expensive - especially when considering the other options on the table.
Osimhen would certainly be a better signing, with the stats from their respective campaigns highlighting why the hierarchy should pursue a move for the Nigerian’s signature this summer.
Galatasaray's Victor Osimhen celebrates scoring a goal that was later disallowed
The Napoli ace, who’s been labelled “the best striker on the market” by Statman Dave, has massively outscored Ekitike, whilst also posting a higher goal per shot on target rate - showcasing his clinical edge in the final third.
He’s also managed to win more aerials than the Frankfurt star, handing Amorim the focal point he needs in the attacking areas, subsequently offering a different dimension to the Red Devils’ attack.
How Osimhen compares to Ekitike in 2024/25 so far
Statistics (per 90)
Games played
Goals & assists
Goals per shot on target
Shot-on-target accuracy
Aerials won
Aerial success rate
Take-on success
Stats via FBref
Whilst he’s likely to command a higher pay packet to prise him to the North West, it’s a price worth paying given the difference between the quality of the two options.
If the club are to have any chance of returning to their former glory in the near future, top-level talents are required, with Osimhen just the man to do that given his record within the final third in recent seasons.
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Ruben Amorim wants to sign a new centre-forward this summer.