Manchester United need a new number nine. That much is clear following a shambolic season for strikers at Old Trafford. The Red Devils managed just 44 goals collectively in the league, the worst record in the club's history.
Rasmus Hojlund continued to falter amid a hugely disappointing spell, with just four goals in 32 games. Joshua Zirkzee was equally poor in front of goal with just three in 32 matches, although it's fair to say the Dutchman is more of a number 10 than a centre-forward.
The Reds missed out on Liam Delap to Chelsea earlier this summer and have since been linked with several strikers. There are two who more than fit the bill, but one is a perfect match for Ruben Amorim.
Viktor Gyokeres or Victor Osimhen for Man United?
Two of the most high-profile frontmen seeming available this summer, for the right price, are Viktor Gyokeres and Victor Osimhen. Both have been prolific in recent years, having no issues finding the back of the net.
Gyokeres has been a revelation at Sporting CP since joining the Portuguese giants in the summer of 2023. The Swede hit an astounding 39 goals in 33 Liga Portugal games last season, ensuring his side successfully retained their league crown.
The 27-year-old's rise came under Amorim, and it's the Portuguese tactician who helped develop him into the unstoppable goalscoring machine he's become. They hold a strong connection which could be of huge benefit should a move occur.
That's not to downplay just how talented Victor Osimhen is, one of the most highly regarded frontmen in Europe, who thrived at Galatasaray last season. The Nigerian was sent to the Turkish outfit on loan after a falling out with parent club Napoli.
The 26-year-old bagged 26 goals in 30 Turkish Super Lig games, helping his side claim the title. It followed a superb spell in Naples where he won the Scudetto in 2023 as the Golden Boot winner with 26 goals, obviously showing huge consistency in front of goal.
Why Gyokeres ticks all the right boxes
United's huge pull remains intact despite the dismal 15th-place finish last season. It's thought that Osimhen is keen on the project and would be happy to join even without Champions League football.
However, a move for Osimhen is complicated by his staggering wage demands with reports suggesting he's demanding around £400,000, per GIVEMESPORT. The club are trying to steer away from such hefty amounts which makes Gyokeres the more reasonable option.
That's not the only factor that United should take into consideration. Amorim knows Gyokeres' strengths and weaknesses, how to unleash him as the focal point of his attack and the Sweden international would perhaps find it easier adapting upon arriving at Old Trafford.
Gyokeres VS Osimhen
— Pa_MUFC (@PaSheikhnaS) April 22, 2025
—Past 3 seasons
♦️163 G+A. 108 G+A
♦️Goals 127 93 goals
♦️Assist 42 Assist 15
—Viktor Gyokeres is a better goal getter pic.twitter.com/3sZqok2ilD
Osimhen may be the more glamorous option and probably is the better footballer. But taking everything into account, all Amorim needs is a goalscorer and Gyokeres, currently sitting on £38,950 per week (via Capology), is that and more.
Stick the Swede up top in a front three with Matheus Cunha and hopefully Bryan Mbeumo and you'll undoubtedly see a rise in goals and team performance. The trio registered a collective 91 goals across competitions last season.