Rio Ferdinand: Man United Should Pass on Gyokeres and Target a Proven Striker

Manchester United’s goal-scoring issues during the just-concluded season have become impossible to ignore. With only 44 goals scored in the Premier League, the Red Devils finished with the fifth-worst offensive record — an embarrassing stat for a club of such stature. It’s a damning reflection of a frontline that has failed to live up to its billing and a major reason why major changes are anticipated this summer.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s INEOS-led rebuild has already kicked into gear, with a new tactical vision spearheaded by incoming manager Ruben Amorim, and technical direction from Jason Wilcox. One of the top priorities is fixing United’s toothless attack, and names like Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo have already surfaced as potential signings.

Cunha, now officially a Red, arrives from Wolves with hopes of reigniting his career at a higher level. Mbeumo, on the other hand, may prove difficult to lure after Tottenham appointed Thomas Frank, Brentford’s now-former boss. With that managerial shakeup, United’s path to signing the Cameroonian winger could be blocked.

Still, neither Cunha nor Mbeumo are traditional number nines. They’re more versatile attackers — comfortable drifting out wide or dropping deep — but not the focal point finishers United desperately need. That’s where the debate around Viktor Gyokeres and Victor Osimhen intensifies.

While Gyokeres enjoyed a prolific season at Sporting CP under Amorim, scoring over 30 goals across all competitions, club legend Rio Ferdinand remains unconvinced. Speaking to Mirror Sport, Ferdinand urged United to skip the hype surrounding Gyokeres and go for a “proven goalscorer” with elite pedigree and leadership qualities.

The former United captain believes the club’s young forwards — Rasmus Hojlund, Joshua Zirkzee, and Chido Obi — need a seasoned striker to look up to. While Hojlund arrived with much fanfare from Atalanta, his performances were erratic and lacked composure in front of goal. Zirkzee, who was expected to compete with Hojlund, failed to impress and often seemed out of sync with United’s attacking transitions.

Ferdinand didn’t dismiss Gyokeres entirely but stressed that top-level experience is non-negotiable at this point. According to him, Manchester United no longer has the luxury of gambling on potential. The club needs a forward who is battle-tested and capable of leading from the front — both literally and figuratively.

When pressed on who fits that mold, Ferdinand named Victor Osimhen as his top choice. The Napoli striker, who won the Serie A Golden Boot in the 2022/23 season, has also been a consistent performer in the Champions League and for the Nigerian national team. He combines strength, speed, intelligent movement, and a killer instinct — a rare blend United sorely lack.

In Ferdinand’s words, “Osimhen has done it at the top level, he’s carried a team in Italy and made a name for himself on the biggest stages. That’s what we need — not another ‘maybe’, but a definite ‘yes’.”

United fans may be encouraged to hear that Osimhen is reportedly open to a Premier League move. While he recently turned down a lucrative offer from Saudi Arabia, he is said to be keen on competing at the highest level of European football, and the Premier League remains his preferred destination.

Italian sources claim that Manchester United are now actively pursuing the Nigerian hitman. Although Napoli will demand a hefty fee, the club’s willingness to offload several high-profile players this summer — including Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho, and Antony — could free up funds to launch a serious bid for Osimhen.

Osimhen’s arrival would not only provide a consistent source of goals but also elevate the overall standard of United’s attack. His presence would relieve pressure on younger players while offering a tangible example of professionalism and execution.

More importantly, acquiring a striker like Osimhen would signal Manchester United’s intent to return to the elite level of club football. It would show that INEOS, Wilcox, and Amorim aren’t content with building for the future — they’re aiming to win now.

There are, of course, obstacles. Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis is a notoriously tough negotiator, and Osimhen’s release clause reportedly stands close to €120 million. But United have shown in the past — with signings like Pogba and Maguire — that they’re willing to spend big when it matters.

If INEOS are serious about making a statement this summer, there may be no better way than landing Victor Osimhen. Rio Ferdinand’s call for experience over excitement could be the advice that finally gets United back on track.

The club has already missed out on Champions League football, and fans are demanding swift action. Landing a star striker would boost morale, excite the fan base, and show that Manchester United means business again.

In the end, the choice may boil down to vision: Do United want to build slowly with players like Gyokeres and hope they adapt to Premier League pressure, or do they want to bet on a sure thing and bring in a striker like Osimhen who can deliver immediately?

For Rio Ferdinand, the answer is simple: Choose proven pedigree over potential. Choose Osimhen over Gyokeres.