“I can’t still believe they loaned out a quality player like that to keep the likes of Zirkzee and Hojlund…This must be the craziest mistake made in football history”: Manchester United’s legend Wayne Rooney impressed by Manchester United’s player on loan, urged the club to recall him
Manchester United have been urged to move for a ‘world-class’ striker to help end their struggles in front of goal.
A nightmare showing against Fulham, despite winning, from the young Danish forward has shined a light on their attacking issues.
Two goals in 18 Premier League games makes for poor reading but Hojlund has now failed to score in 36 of his 48 Premier League games for United since joining from Atalanta in a deal worth £72million in 2023.
Despite moments of promise shown last season, the 21-year-old is starting to cause frustration among fans and his partner Joshua Zirkzee is failing to flatter as well – managing no shots after coming on against Fulham.
While the January deadline is unlikely to bring any respite in that position, United are likely to have a striker down as a key target for the summer transfer window.
Ex-Man United defender Rio Ferdinand believes there is one target that stands out in Napoli’s Victor Osimhen, who is currently on loan at Galatasaray, who he believes United should go and get now.
“I’ve watched him [Hojlund] the last two games closely and I’m like, it just doesn’t add up,” said Ferdinand. “I’d be going to get Osimhen now.
“If we could do it from a financial standpoint, get him on loan, I’d go and get Osimhen now. [He] guarantees you somebody who can get on the end of things, scores goals, he’s experienced, done it at the top level.”
Can United sign Osimhen?
As it stands, the Nigerian forward will remain in Turkey until the end of the season as he is currently enjoying a fruitful spell with 16 goals and five assists in 20 games.
Labelled as ‘world-class‘ by Jose Mourinho, the 26-year-old is one of the best forwards that will be available come the summer.
However, ESPN journalist Mark Ogden has claimed that United would consider Ferdinand’s wishes of signing him mid-season, but it seems unlikely and it may be something to revisit in the summer.
Alejandro Garnacho has been tied to Napoli as a potential replacement for Kvicha Kvaraskhelia which could potentially open the door in the summer.
Multiple clubs have been linked with the young attacker and he has reportedly told United that the only club he would leave for would be the Italians.
Chelsea have been strongly linked with a move in recent weeks and could even offer Christopher Nkunku as a possible striker alternative for the present, which may interest United.
However, Gary Neville has been vocal about such a move and claims United should turn that potential offer down because Nkunku has ‘barely kicked a ball’ this season.
