Manchester, June 20, 2025 – Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand has publicly urged the club to secure the signature of Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen, emphasising Osimhen’s proven goal-scoring abilities and leadership as crucial for United’s revival.
Ferdinand sounded his call on his podcast, stating: “We need experience. We need someone who knows how to score… If I’m Man United, I’m making it happen.” He pointed to Osimhen’s elite performance levels across major leagues, including impressive stints in Italy and Turkey, and argued that such a player could mentor younger forwards like Rasmus Højlund and Joshua Zirkzee.
Highlighting Osimhen’s 28 goals in 32 appearances for Galatasaray, Ferdinand underlined his consistency and ability to perform under pressure. “He’s exactly what United need right now,” the ex-defender insisted, while acknowledging the financial complexities of signing a striker of Osimhen’s calibre.
Ferdinand contrasted Osimhen’s potential impact with that of other targets like Sporting’s Viktor Gyokeres, whom he admitted he admired but saw as a lesser upgrade. He said, “For Manchester United at this period in time, I would go for experience and someone like Osimhen”.
While Ferdinand concedes that Osimhen has yet to play in the Premier League, his argument rests on the striker’s stellar track record at top-level clubs and his leadership appeal to United’s attack.
As Manchester United prepares for a busy transfer window aimed at addressing a lacklustre season, marked by a mere 44 Premier League goals and moments without a number nine, Ferdinand’s endorsement adds weight to Osimhen’s growing candidacy as a signature target.
