Former Manchester United defender Patrice Evra has called on the club to make a decisive move for Nigeria international striker Victor Osimhen, describing him as the ideal forward to restore firepower at Old Trafford ahead of the next Premier League campaign.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with GOAL, Evra insisted that United must prioritise signing a proven goal scorer capable of delivering immediately, especially as the club prepares for a return to European competition and an increasingly demanding fixture schedule.
Osimhen, currently contracted to Turkish champions Galatasaray, has remained one of the most consistent attacking forces in European football despite ongoing transfer speculation linking him with several top Premier League sides over recent seasons.
The 27 year old striker has built an impressive reputation across multiple leagues, previously starring for Napoli in Italy, where he played a decisive role in ending the club’s long title drought. His performances in Serie A established him as one of Europe’s most lethal forwards, combining pace, power, and clinical finishing.
Since moving to Istanbul, Osimhen has continued to deliver at an elite level, scoring regularly and maintaining strong form in domestic and European competitions. Reports indicate he has registered close to 60 goals in just over 70 appearances for Galatasaray, reinforcing his status as one of the most productive strikers in world football.
Evra believes that profile is exactly what Manchester United need as they continue their rebuilding process. He argued that the club requires not just squad depth but a genuine world class number nine capable of delivering under pressure in major matches.
According to Evra, the modern demands of English football require multiple high level attacking options, especially for clubs competing across the Premier League, domestic cups, and European tournaments. He stressed that United’s attacking structure still lacks the consistency and depth needed to challenge for major honours.
The former defender also acknowledged existing attacking options but maintained that Osimhen’s presence would elevate competition and improve overall squad output. He highlighted the importance of having forwards who can rotate without a drop in quality, referencing how successful Manchester United squads of the past operated with multiple elite strikers.
Evra also pointed out that defensive and midfield reinforcements remain important, noting that squad balance is essential for sustained success. However, he made clear that if he had to choose one priority signing, Osimhen would be at the top of his list.
His comments add to growing debate around Manchester United’s striker situation. The club has been linked in recent transfer windows with several attacking targets, while current forward Benjamin Šeško has been leading the line following his high profile move in 2025. Šeško has shown promise during his debut campaign, but questions remain over whether United possess enough firepower to compete for top honours consistently.
Former United striker Louis Saha has also previously backed Osimhen as a transformative signing, describing him as a forward with the mentality, experience, and technical ability to thrive under the pressure of playing at Old Trafford. Saha highlighted Osimhen’s success in France, Italy, and Turkey as evidence of his adaptability and elite mentality.
Another club legend, Rio Ferdinand, has also previously expressed admiration for the Nigerian striker, suggesting that United missed an opportunity when he became available for a major transfer move in recent years.
Despite continued speculation, no official approach has materialised from Manchester United, and Osimhen remains focused on his current duties in Turkey. However, with the summer transfer window approaching, renewed interest from Premier League clubs is expected.
United’s managerial setup under Michael Carrick is also believed to be assessing attacking reinforcements as the club prepares for a return to European competition in the 2026 to 27 season. Increased fixture congestion is expected to demand greater squad depth, particularly in forward positions.
Osimhen’s combination of physical strength, movement, pressing ability, and elite finishing makes him one of the most complete strikers in world football. Analysts continue to rank him among the most suitable candidates for the Premier League due to his intensity and adaptability.
As discussions around Manchester United’s rebuild continue, Evra’s endorsement adds further weight to the growing belief that a proven elite striker could be the missing piece in the club’s long term project.
Whether United decide to act on that advice remains to be seen, but Osimhen’s name is once again firmly back at the centre of Premier League transfer conversations.
