Victor Osimhen and Patrice Evra as Manchester United transfer target Marcus Rashford returns to Old Trafford
Manchester United have been urged to make Victor Osimhen their priority in attack, with club legend Patrice Evra describing the Nigerian striker as the “best” option for the Red Devils.
As Manchester United prepare for the 2026/27 campaign, questions remain over whether Michael Carrick has enough firepower to challenge for major honours. Evra believes the answer could lie in bringing Osimhen to Old Trafford.
The former Manchester United defender believes the club still needs a proven goalscorer capable of consistently finding the back of the net.
Speaking to GOAL, Evra singled out Osimhen as his preferred option.
“A striker, someone who scores a goal. I think that’s what I’m looking at. That’s why for me, Osimhen is the best. He’s a perfect example.”
The Nigerian forward has developed a reputation as one of Europe’s most dangerous strikers. His physical strength, pace, movement and ability to attack crosses make him an attractive option for a United side looking for greater attacking consistency.
Osimhen has also maintained an impressive scoring record since leaving Napoli for Galatasaray, making him one of the most sought-after forwards in European football.
The biggest problem for Manchester United could be the financial cost.
Osimhen remains under contract with Galatasaray until 2029, meaning the Turkish club are in a strong negotiating position.
United would therefore likely have to make a significant financial commitment to convince Galatasaray to sell.
For Evra, however, the investment would address one of United’s biggest weaknesses.
He also believes the club needs defensive reinforcements, particularly at full-back and centre-back.
“Defensively, they may need to find a good alternative left-back. Maybe another centre-back… I think maybe we need to find a good right-back, a good attacking and defensive right-back.”
While Osimhen would represent a major addition, Evra believes United could also get a significant boost from a familiar face.
Marcus Rashford is returning to Manchester United after loan spells with Aston Villa and Barcelona.
The England international has already made 426 appearances for the club and scored 138 goals, but his relationship with sections of the fanbase became increasingly strained before his departures on loan.
Evra believes that chapter can still be closed.
The former United star believes Rashford can win supporters back if he demonstrates the right attitude on the pitch.
“I think United fans, they forgive. They forgive.”
Evra also stressed that Rashford must accept competition for his place and show the commitment required to regain the trust of supporters.
“He just needs to be honest with himself. But the fans forgive.”
That could make Rashford one of the most intriguing players to watch under Carrick this season.
If he can rediscover his best form, United may effectively have a proven Premier League goalscorer returning to their squad without needing to pay a transfer fee.
Evra’s comments highlight a bigger issue facing Carrick.
United have attacking options including Bruno Fernandes, Bryan Mbeumo, Amad Diallo and Patrick Dorgu, while Benjamin Sesko provides another option at centre-forward.
However, the squad still needs greater depth if United are serious about competing across multiple competitions.
A new striker would provide additional goals, while defensive reinforcements could help address weaknesses at the back.
Osimhen would undoubtedly be the statement signing.
But with his price likely to be substantial, United may have to decide whether investing heavily in one elite striker is preferable to strengthening several positions.
For Nigerian football fans, the possibility of Osimhen playing at Old Trafford would be particularly significant.
The Super Eagles forward has already established himself as one of Africa’s premier strikers and has experience performing under enormous pressure.
His combination of pace, aerial ability and physical presence could also suit the demands of English football.
The question is whether Manchester United are prepared to pay what Galatasaray would demand.
For now, Osimhen remains a Galatasaray player. But with Evra publicly identifying him as the “best” option for United, speculation surrounding a potential move to Old Trafford is unlikely to disappear anytime soon.
Manchester United need goals, and Victor Osimhen is exactly the type of striker who could transform their attack.
But the Nigerian comes with a potentially enormous price tag. Before United make that investment, Carrick and the club’s recruitment team must also address their defensive depth.
As for Rashford, the door is clearly not closed.
If he returns with the right mentality and rediscovers his best form, the player once adored by United supporters could yet become one of Carrick’s most important weapons.
The leadership of the Nigeria National League (NNL) has expressed appreciation to the Governor…
Sports stakeholders have continued to celebrate and hail Nigeria's performances at the recently concluded…
Barcelona under RFEF investigation after Atletico Madrid complaint over Julian Alvarez pursuit Barcelona are facing…
Chelsea wonderkid Nelly Las aiming to surpass Lucy Bronze after dream summer move For years,…
Real Madrid plot Franco Mastantuono loan as Serie A trio battle for Argentine wonderkid Real…
Ghana star Mohammed Fuseini attacked and robbed after Brussels nightclub ordeal Ghana international Mohammed Fuseini…