By Olatunbosun Obafemi
Former Manchester United captain Rio Ferdinand has thrown his weight behind Victor Osimhen as the ideal striker to lead the club’s attack, favouring the Nigerian over Sporting Lisbon’s Viktor Gyökeres.
Ferdinand, a six-time Premier League champion and UEFA Champions League winner, cited Osimhen’s experience and proven track record across multiple leagues as key factors in his preference.
In an interview with Mirror Football, the 46-year-old expressed concerns about United’s current attacking options, describing the youthful trio of Rasmus Højlund, Joshua Zirkzee, and Chido Obi-Martin as lacking the experience required to anchor the team’s frontline.
“United need a centre-forward with experience. Højlund came in for huge money and has struggled. Zirkzee hasn’t done much better,” said Ferdinand. “You need someone who the young ones can learn from – someone reliable. Osimhen has done it in multiple leagues and internationally.”
Although Ferdinand acknowledged Gyökeres’ impressive goal-scoring form, he maintained that Osimhen’s experience gives him the edge. “If I had to pick him or Osimhen, I’d probably pick Osimhen,” he said.
Osimhen, on loan at Galatasaray from Napoli, netted 37 goals and registered eight assists in 41 appearances, helping the Turkish giants to a league and cup double. Gyökeres, meanwhile, enjoyed a phenomenal campaign with Sporting Lisbon, scoring 54 goals and providing 13 assists in 52 games, also winning the Portuguese domestic double and topping the UEFA Nations League scoring charts.
Despite the fierce competition in the transfer market, Ferdinand’s comments underscore the growing call for Manchester United to invest in experienced talent to support its youthful core.
