Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand has strongly urged the club to prioritize the signing of Napoli striker Victor Osimhen this summer. Speaking on his “Rio Presents” podcast, Ferdinand emphasized that the Nigerian star could be the missing piece in United’s struggling attack and would bring both experience and leadership to the front line.
United’s attack has lacked bite for much of the season, and the issue has become more glaring in recent weeks. The team failed to score in both games following the international break, including a lifeless goalless draw against rivals Manchester City. With forwards like Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee delivering inconsistent performances, it’s midfielder Bruno Fernandes who remains United’s top scorer—a clear sign of the problems up front.
Osimhen has enjoyed an outstanding season, racking up 28 goals in 32 games across all competitions while on loan at Galatasaray from Napoli. His clinical finishing and physical presence have drawn praise from fans and pundits alike, and Ferdinand believes he would not only deliver goals but also serve as a mentor to United’s younger forwards. He called on the club to act swiftly, stating that if he were in charge, he would push for the deal immediately. While Osimhen has yet to feature in the Premier League, his prolific scoring record in Europe has convinced Ferdinand that he would thrive at Old Trafford.
Despite the calls for a proven talent like Osimhen, Manchester United appear to be setting their sights on a different profile of striker. Reports suggest that Ipswich Town’s Liam Delap has become the top target, with the club placing him ahead of Osimhen, Viktor Gyokeres, and Benjamin Sesko. Delap, a 22-year-old former Manchester City academy player, has netted 12 league goals this season. While that tally is modest compared to Osimhen’s, his age and potential upside appeal to United’s recruitment strategy under the INEOS model, which favors younger players with room to grow.
Delap’s estimated price tag of £40 million makes him a more affordable option than Osimhen, whose release clause is reportedly €64 million. However, concerns remain about Delap’s ability to make the leap from a struggling team to leading the line at one of the world’s biggest clubs. In a season where United desperately need stability and goals, relying on a relatively untested striker could prove to be a high-stakes risk.
Ferdinand’s public push for Osimhen reflects the growing frustration among fans and former players over the club’s continued issues in front of goal. With Fernandes still carrying the scoring burden from midfield, many believe that a dependable and lethal number nine is essential if United are to compete at the highest level again. Whether the club opts for the proven firepower of Osimhen or the untapped potential of Delap could define their next chapter.
