Last season, due to the lack of quality options at his disposal, Erik ten Hag was forced to overburden Rasmus Hojlund, who naturally struggled.
Even though the Dane emerged as the top-scorer, he looked knackered at times and it was clear that INEOS had to bring in help in the summer.
Instead of signing a proven goalscorer, Manchester United decided to splurge on another young star, Joshua Zirkzee of Bologna, and since his debut goal, the Netherlands international has struggled to adapt to the pace of the English game.
The Denmark international has fared little better, netting twice, and new head coach Ruben Amorim has a huge task on his hands to get the duo firing.
United want an elite striker
Rumours are swirling that the former Bologna ace was not a signing Ten Hag had signed off on, while the ex-Sporting Lisbon manager is also not keen on utilising Zirkzee’s services.
Ideally, Amorim would prefer bringing in his Sporting protege Viktor Gyokeres but the Swede will take a final call on his future with plenty of suitors already in the race,
That is why the Red Devils are keeping alternate options open with Victor Osimhen emerging as a possibility as per journalist Gerardo Fasano.
The Nigerian international has long been a target for the Old Trafford side but his release clause has proved beyond reach until now.
He told Area Napoli that the Naples outfit are on the lookout for a replacement for the Nigerian with Romelu Lukaku struggling on his own.
That is where United come in and they could offer Osimhen, currently on loan at Galatasaray, a permanent exit. In return they will offer the Serie A leaders a swap deal opportunity with Zirkzee heading to the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona.
“Romelu Lukaku is having difficulties in Naples also because he doesn’t have the support of another striker alongside him. However, there could be some market intrigues that would also favor the Belgian.
“Manchester United are said to be on the trail of Victor Osimhen. I have been told that the English, through Amorim, could include the former Bologna striker Zirkzee in the negotiations for Osimhen.”
Zirkzee excels in link-up play and that could help Lukaku plunder more goals for the Naples club. And the 20-time English league champions will offer the forward-plus-cash for Osimhen, which would suit Napoli.
Zirkzee-Osimhen swap
“Zirkzee could help Lukaku find himself. Money plus Zirkzee for Osimhen. Amorim has understood that Sporting Lisbon could ask too much for Gyokeres and is testing the waters for Osimhen.
“Zirkzee might not be the ideal striker for the coach. The former Bologna player would instead help Lukaku next season: the two would form an important pair.”
Juventus, managed by former Bologna boss Thiago Motta, are also interested in Zirkzee and they could throw a spanner in the works.
As for Osimhen, the 25-year-old has eight goals and four assists for the Turkish outfit in eight starts across all competitions and would be a great fit for Amorim’s system. He has close to 50 goals in the last two seasons in the Serie A.
Ayantan Chowdhury
Ayantan has worked for 10 years in the Indian sports media industry, writing for the biggest newspapers and websites but his heart was always set on writing about his favourite club. Currently an editor at The Peoples Person. You can follow him on X: @ayantanc_25
