How Man Utd would line up with Victor Osimhen

Cameron Smith

Updated: 5 Jan 2025 15:18 GMT
4 min read

Victor Osimhen, Man Utd, 2024/25 — © IMAGO

Manchester United are currently searching for a new centre forward and Victor Osimhen is one of their primary targets for the 2025 January transfer window.

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The Nigeria international was expected to join Chelsea last summer, but Enzo Maresca’s side were unable to finalise an agreement with Napoli and Osimhen eventually joined Galatasaray on loan instead.

However, Man Utd are eager to bring the 26-year-old to Old Trafford this month, and reports in Nigeria suggest that Osimhen is keen to end his spell at Galatasaray in order to become Ruben Amorim’s new first-choice striker.

Man Utd are reportedly open to triggering Osimhen’s €75 million release clause this month, while they are willing to pay Galatasaray a fee of €10m to ensure his loan stint at the club ends mid-season.

Marcus Rashford has also been tipped to join Napoli amid interest from Antonio Conte, with Man Utd reportedly set to be handed an attractive swap deal opportunity.

But, how will Man Utd line up if Osimhen joins the club in January?

Current ETV

Victor Osimhen

F (C)

Galatasaray

Victor Osimhen

F (C)

Galatasaray

ETV Range

€42.8M - €71.4M

How Man Utd would line up with Victor Osimhen

Andre Onana has received plenty of criticism for his underwhelming form over the past few weeks, but he remains Man Utd’s number one goalkeeper and Amorim is unlikely to prioritise a new shot-stopper in 2025.

Leny Yoro is expected to grow into a key player at Old Trafford this year and he could feature alongside Lisandro Martinez and Harry Maguire in a back three system. Matthijs de Ligt is also an option, although he could lose his place in the starting XI over the next couple of months.

Signing at least one new wing-back is a priority for 2025, but Diogo Dalot and Noussair Mazraoui will keep their places for the time being, while Kobbie Mainoo and Manuel Ugarte will feature in central midfield.

© IMAGO - Manuel Ugarte joined Man Utd this summer

With Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho both finding minutes hard to come by under Amorim, it’s likely that Amad Diallo and Bruno Fernandes will be tasked with providing creativity and flair behind Osimhen.

The Nigeria star will displace both Joshua Zirkzee and Rasmus Hojlund at Old Trafford, with the former potentially set to leave after a poor start to life in England.