Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand has urged his former club to make an all-out push for the signing of Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen. Speaking on a recent episode of his podcast, Ferdinand stressed the need for a proven, experienced forward to lead the Red Devils’ attack.
“Manchester United needs someone who knows every corner of the pitch. Not someone who’s just coming in to learn the ropes like Delap from Ipswich,” Ferdinand said. He was referencing the need for a seasoned striker. “They have to go all in for Victor Osimhen.”
Osimhen, currently on loan at Turkish giants Galatasaray from Serie A side Napoli, has been in red-hot form. He has scored 20 goals in all competitions so far in the 2024/25 season. His performances have reignited interest from top European clubs, including United. They have struggled to find a consistent goalscorer.
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The 25-year-old forward’s journey to the top has been nothing short of remarkable. Rising from the streets of Lagos, Nigeria, Osimhen burst onto the global scene after his standout performance at the 2015 FIFA U-17 World Cup. There, he won the Golden Boot. He went on to win the African Player of the Year for 2023/24. His European career began at Wolfsburg before finding form at Charleroi and, later, LOSC Lille. His performances earned him a big-money move to Napoli in 2020.
At Napoli, Osimhen made history by becoming the first African to win the Serie A Golden Boot. He scored 26 league goals in the 2022/23 season. His goals helped the club to their first Scudetto in over three decades.
Despite his success, Osimhen has not been without controversy. In 2023, he had a public fallout with Napoli after the club’s social media account posted a video mocking him for a missed penalty. The incident sparked tension and talks of a possible exit. However, he remained professional on the pitch.
With his blend of speed, power, and clinical finishing, Osimhen could be the striker Manchester United desperately needs. As speculation builds ahead of the summer transfer window, Ferdinand’s endorsement may just add fuel to the fire for what could be one of the biggest moves of the season.
