Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag who has made the signing of a prolific striker a top priority for the Old Trafford club this summer has been instructed to sign Napoli sensation Victor Osimhen as competition for Marcus Rashford, National Daily can confirm.
Rashford who can boast of his most prolific campaign of his career so far has with his remarkable efforts in front of goal last term had scored 30 goals in all competitions.
It is understood that ten Hag is keen to still fortify his attacking option this summer despite Rashford’s sensational outing last season.
National Daily gathered that the Red Devils are keen to move for a big-name in the striking position and have been linked with some of the most dangerous frontmen in world football over recent weeks with the Napoli’s striker Osimhen notable among them.
The 24-year-old is fresh off the back of winning the Serie A title with his outstanding 26 league goals performance which was pivotal in the Italian side ending their long drought.
And now, former Man United defender, Mikael Silvestre is of the opinion that the Nigerian would be the ideal signing for the Red Devils.
Speaking to FourFourTwo in association with Freebets.com, Silvestre said: “I would like to see Osimhen of Napoli at Manchester United. I think his characteristics and mental strength would fit United well.
“He would give the strikers a lift and compete with Marcus Rashford for a place upfront. He could also play alongside him, and would be an excellent addition.”
Silvestre is not the only former United star who believes that Osimhen would prove to be an ideal signing for the club ahead of the 2023/24 season Rio Ferdinand has also urged his ex-employers to make a move for the Nigerian as an alternative to Tottenham star Harry Kane, even if it breaks the bank.
Speaking on his Vibe with Five podcast, he said: “I’d sign Kane in a heartbeat, he has gone under the radar because of [Erling] Haaland but I am not waiting and playing games in July.
“If he said no, I’d move straight on to Osimhen. Even if he’s £150m, do it. Look at the market. Who else is there? There’s no one ready-made.”
United might well be interested in making a move for Osimhen but face competition for him should they attempt to strike a deal with Napoli. Premier League rivals Chelsea have also been linked, whilst Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain are potential suitors.
If the Red Devils are unable to sign him then they could turn to Atalanta’s Rasmus Hojlund but Ferdinand is not totally convinced that a move for the Dane would be the right fit.
“He’s not ready-made, ain’t done it properly at the top consistently,” the former defender added. “You’re buying him off the back of a season.”
There is doubt that majority of United fans would fancy seeing Osimhen who is believed to be Red Devils fan growing up at Old Trafford in the coming season.