Former England defender Nicky Butt has highlighted that Victor Osimhen would be an ideal striker for Manchester United, pointing out the need for a proven goalscorer to lead the Red Devils’ frontline.
United’s current attacking options, including Benjamin Sesko, are promising but unproven, and Butt emphasized the importance of acquiring a player capable of performing under the dual demands of the Premier League and Champions League.
Speaking to the Mirror, Butt said, “I don’t think he can carry the club up front on his own, they’ll need another no9. He’s shown he’s got massive potential, great movement, and he works his socks off. He can score a goal, and you can see he’s good in the air, but he’s not the complete centre-forward for United at that level. He can potentially get there.”
Butt stressed the differences between league and European competition, adding, “When you go into the Champions League, it’s just a different kettle of fish. The tempo is totally different, the pressure on it is totally different. You’ve then got to come back and perform in the league, maybe two days later. United need a striker who can handle the intensity and deliver consistently in both competitions.”
Reflecting on recruitment strategy, Butt explained the club must target proven talent, saying, “They’re going to have to go out and buy a top, top player. I do believe in recruitment; there’s no point in going and buying a player who doesn’t improve the squad. You’ve got to go and buy the best player. I think Sesko will be a good player for United. I don’t think he needs replacing, but someone better than him that can lift his game as well.”
Osimhen’s qualities make him a standout candidate, according to Butt. “I think he’d [Osimhen] be the one. You’d like to think that players from Turkish sides are gettable. The recruitment team will not only look at the best players, but you’re looking at the gettable ones.
You’re wasting time on certain players that you’re not going to get if they cost £120million. I think he’s powerful, quick, he can run in behind, he’s strong, has got a good touch, can score different types of goals, he’s good in the air. It’s a difficult job to recruit players, and maybe you go and find someone with potential, but they keep doing that, and it doesn’t quite work.”
Butt was also critical of United’s recent striker transfers, pointing out repeated mistakes. “Sesko has not quite worked. Rasmus Hojlund didn’t work. You’ve got to be careful, spending £65m, £70m on unproven people, it’s not right. With Sesko, it’s the same mistake as Hojlund. A young, unproven striker, a lot of money, too much weight on his shoulders. Let’s be honest, he’s scored a few goals, he’s done well over the last few weeks, but he’s not been a roaring success.”
He added further perspective on Sesko’s potential timeline, noting, “Sesko might be ready in two or three years, but not right now and definitely not in the Champions League. I know Osimhen isn’t proven in the Premier League, but you look at his physicality and the way he plays football, he can definitely handle it.”
Butt also reflected on the challenge of transitioning from a player with potential to one who can deliver immediately in a top league. He emphasized that clubs must balance talent and readiness, stating, “When you buy young, unproven players, you take a gamble. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t. United need someone who can lift the team straight away, and that’s why a player like Osimhen is so valuable. His experience, strength, and scoring ability give him an edge over someone still finding their feet.”
He continued, “You want players who can hit the ground running. Osimhen has shown in his previous leagues that he can adapt quickly, score different types of goals, and handle physical challenges. The Premier League is tough, but his pace, power, and versatility make him an ideal fit. United need a striker who can deliver in the league and in European competition, and Osimhen fits that description perfectly.”
Regarding United’s recruitment philosophy, Butt emphasized practicality alongside ambition. “You’re looking at the best players, but also the ones you can realistically get. There’s no point pursuing someone priced at £120million if the chances of signing them are slim. Clubs must make strategic decisions. Osimhen represents quality and feasibility. He can strengthen United’s frontline and provide the consistency the team needs.”
Butt also praised Osimhen’s physical and technical attributes. “He’s powerful, quick, can run in behind defenders, is strong, has good touch, and is strong in the air. He scores different types of goals. That combination makes him capable of handling the pressures of top-level football. United must consider such a player if they want to compete consistently at the highest level.”
The former Manchester United midfielder concluded with a focus on results-driven recruitment, saying, “You’ve got to go and buy the best player who can improve the squad. Sesko may grow into a top striker, but right now United need someone proven. Osimhen is the player who can deliver immediately. He has the physicality, skill, and mentality to succeed in both the Premier League and Champions League.”
With Osimhen’s versatility, experience, and goal-scoring record, Butt believes United can address a key weakness in their attack. “The club has struggled to find a striker who can consistently deliver under pressure. Osimhen ticks all the boxes. He is strong, fast, technically gifted, and can score in multiple ways. United must move decisively if they want to secure their competitive edge next season.”
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