Manchester United’s biggest problem at this stage seems to be their inability to find the back of the net in games with Sunday’s loss to Tottenham Hotspur meaning United have now failed to score in back-to-back Premier League matches.
In fact, the Red Devils have scored a measly two goals in their last four league outings with Rasmus Hojlund’s form in particular a matter of concern.
The Dane has not scored in 15 games now and he looks lost up front, struggling to do even the basics right. Given his poor run in front of goal, there have been reports of Ruben Amorim being open to his departure next summer.
He would ideally prefer to recruit his former Sporting CP protege Viktor Gyokeres but the Swede has his eyes on playing in the Champions League, something the 20-time English league champions might not be able to offer him next season.
Striker needed
Victor Osimhen continues to be linked with a move to Old Trafford with recent reports even suggesting United have submitted a verbal offer for the Nigerian.
Currently on loan at Galatasaray, the 26-year-old has 19 goals and five assists to his name in 24 games and would be the perfect fit for Amorim’s system due to his ruthlessness in the box and his ability to play with his back to goal.
However, as per Teamtalk, the three-time European champions might struggle to afford Osimhen’s signing given the large outlay needed to acquire him.
He has a £65 million release clause in his Napoli contract and he currently earns €192,308 gross per week (via capology) and would a decent raise on that.
Given United’s PSR woes and INEOS’ attempts at bringing down the wage bill by moving on high earners, the co-owners might refrain from such an exorbitant splurge.
Osimhen would also want to move to a club in the Champions League, which might further complicate matters.
Osimhen complications
“TEAMtalk can confirm that Manchester United are keen on signing Victor Osimhen, though his Champions League aspirations and wage demands might make any deal tough to complete.
“Sources have informed TEAMtalk that the 26-year-old may be hard to convince on a move as he wants to play at the top level and in the Champions League, whereas United are languishing in 15th place in the Premier League.
“His wages are also very high, around £200,000 per week, a sum he is unwilling to drop down from. Indeed, that was a key reason he did not move to Chelsea. Ratcliffe and his new board are working hard to bring down the wage bill at United and will only pay out huge salaries for specific players.”
The report further added that because of these reasons, United have adopted a wait-and-watch policy as of now. A lot will depend on the final summer budget and if United can convince him to forego his desire of playing in continental competitions for probably one season.
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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
