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Tuesday’s 0-1 defeat to Nottingham Forest in the Premier League made it crystal clear for all to see how much Manchester United need a ruthless striker next season.
The Red Devils had 23 shots, three times the shots Forest managed, but still could not find the back of the net. In fact, it was centre-back Harry Maguire, brought on as a makeshift No 9 in the dying stages, who came closest to restoring parity.
Ruben Amorim’s decision to play Joshua Zirkzee, who is more of a link-up player than a finisher, up top and drop in-form Rasmus Hojlund did not work out with the lack of cutting edge proving to be the difference in the end.
The Portuguese tactician wanted INEOS to sign his Sporting CP protege Viktor Gyokeres but the Swede wants to play in the Champions League, something that might not be on offer at Old Trafford.
Osimhen was a top target for United
As a result, Victor Osimhen had overtaken the Swede as the club’s priority target and there was good news on that front with The Peoples Person relaying that the Nigerian was open to moving to Manchester even if the Red Devils do not win the Europa League this season.
Given his incredible record of 28 goals and five assists for loan club Galatasaray this season, it was easy to see why United were eyeing him.
The 26-year-old had even turned down Juventus in the hopes of moving to the Premier League but his humongous wages was something United would need to negotiate before proceeding.
However, The Athletic‘s ever-reliable David Ornstein has now put an end to these rumours by claiming that the Napoli ace has his eyes on moving to Saudi Arabia in the summer.
Dreams crushed
“There seems to be a consensus among Premier League clubs that Victor Osimhen’s most likely destination is Saudi Arabia.”
Given his wage demands and Napoli’s asking price, it makes a lot of sense. But it will be a huge blow for Amorim and United who will have to return to the drawing board with regards to finding an alternative.
Liam Delap has emerged as a serious option with Ipswich Town’s impending relegation allowing the 20-time English league champions to grab him for a cut-price fee.
Other low-cost options like Lorenzo Lucca and Dusan Vlahovic are also on the table and it will be intriguing to see which striker ultimately moves to United.
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