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Manchester United’s legendary defender, Rio Ferdinand, has never been shy about voicing his opinions on the club’s direction. But his latest plea is perhaps his most passionate yet, calling on the Red Devils to make Nigerian striker, Victor Osimhen their top transfer priority this summer.
Speaking on his Rio Presents podcast, Ferdinand delivered a direct message to his former club, expressing a deep frustration with United’s current attacking woes and offering what he sees as the clearest solution: sign Osimhen. And sign him now.
“We need Osimhen. We need experience. We need someone who knows how to score,” Ferdinand stated emphatically. “If I am Man United, I am making it happen.”
Manchester United NEED @victorosimhen9 ??
— Rio Ferdinand (@rioferdy5) April 7, 2025
Experienced Goalscorer bring us back asap.
Agree or Disagree? pic.twitter.com/7p7QVeqY1G
It is not hard to understand his urgency. Despite flashes of promise from the club’s young forwards like Rasmus Højlund and Joshua Zirkzee, United have only managed a disappointing 37 goals so far this season. Between them, Højlund and Zirkzee have scored just 14, a statistic that only intensifies concerns over the club’s offensive position.
Ferdinand, who knows what it takes to wear the shirt and win at the highest level, believes United are lacking a clinical edge. In Osimhen, he sees not only a solution, but the kind of figurehead who can elevate the entire attack.
Osimhen who is currently on loan at Turkish Club, Galatasaray from Napoli is tearing up the Süper Lig. At just 26-years-old, he is leading the league with 20 goals in 23 matches, and boasts a staggering 28 goals in 32 appearances across all competitions this season.
But his impact isn’t limited to the club level. On the international stage, Osimhen has proven just as lethal, scoring 26 goals in 41 appearances for the Nigerian national team which makes him the second highest goal scorer behind the Legendary Rashidi Yekini. His recent goals in Nigeria’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and Zimbabwe is just the latest example of his consistency in front of goal.
“I want someone who knows their way around a football pitch at the elite level,” Ferdinand said. “Osimhen has done that. He’s ready for the next challenge and I want him at Old Trafford.”
Of course, critics may point to Osimhen’s lack of English Premier League experience as a potential risk. But Ferdinand dismisses that argument without hesitation.
“I don’t care that he hasn’t played in the Premier League,” he said. “He scores wherever he goes, and that’s what we need right now.”
It’s a fair point. Osimhen has scored goals in France, Italy, and now Turkey earning a reputation as one of the most complete forwards in world football. He is known for his explosive pace, aerial dominance, and instinctive finishing, he’s the kind of striker United haven’t had since the days of Robin van Persie.
With Ruben Amorim the Coach at Manchester United, Osimhen could be the perfect spearhead for the Portuguese manager’s high-intensity, attacking philosophy.
Stop that, Victor Osimhen ?pic.twitter.com/2jTzUWbmCh
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Amorim’s teams thrive on pressing, pace, and precision in the final third, traits that Osimhen naturally brings to the table. His hunger, physicality, and football IQ would not only raise United’s attacking ceiling but provide a role model for the younger talents still developing.
Ferdinand’s call to action is more than just a transfer suggestion it is a rallying cry for ambition, direction, and a return to the United of old. A club that didn’t just hope to compete, but demanded to win.
“Show these young stars how it’s done,” Ferdinand urged. “Osimhen can do that. He’s the one.”
The big question now is whether Manchester United’s hierarchy will listen. With competition expected from other European Clubs powerhouses, the race for Osimhen’s signature will be fierce. But if Ferdinand’s words resonate, and if United are serious about reclaiming their status at the summit of English football, they will move swiftly.
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