David Ornstein confirms Victor Osimhen is not Manchester United bound
Manchester United require significant changes to their squad if they are to compete with the Premier League’s elite. This season, the Red Devils have lacked a cutting edge in attack, leaving fans frustrated and the coaching staff scrambling for answers. Under Ruben Amorim, the club is now prioritising practical, straightforward solutions, and the need for a proven striker has become glaringly obvious.
Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee have been particularly underwhelming, managing just seven goals combined in over 60 appearances. The forward line has been inconsistent, failing to deliver in crucial moments. What United desperately need is a reliable, hungry striker who can step up when the game is on the line.
However, according to David Ornstein, as relayed by Give Me Sport, United will not be pursuing Victor Osimhen this summer. Despite frequent links to Old Trafford, concerns over the 26-year-old’s wage demands and questions about his personality have cooled interest. Osimhen, who recently completed a loan spell at Galatasaray after falling out of favour at Napoli, currently has a €75 million release clause, significantly lower than the previous year’s valuation.
Victor Osimhen a no-go for Manchester United
According to David Ornstein, Manchester United are redirecting their resources toward more economically viable attacking options, with Matheus Cunha and Liam Delap emerging as top targets. Cunha, currently at Wolves, would command significantly lower wages than Victor Osimhen, making him a financially sensible option. Meanwhile, Delap, who has impressed at Ipswich Town, offers room for development and would come at a more manageable cost.
Rúben Amorim is also reportedly interested in Viktor Gyökeres, but there have been no concrete moves regarding the Swedish forward’s future. The overarching message from within the club is clear: talent alone isn’t enough. United are now prioritising financial balance alongside quality signings, aiming to rebuild the squad without overspending.
Amorim’s focus on cost-effective, high-potential players reflects a strategic shift as United look to strengthen their forward line while maintaining economic stability, a crucial factor given their recent struggles in the transfer market.
“There have been lots of reports on Osimhen and I’ve no doubt United (and) most other top clubs appreciate him as a player – but for whatever reason (it seems to be his salary and whether he’s the character they’re looking for) these teams don’t seem to be advancing on that and currently I’m not expecting Man United to sign him.”
Manchester United’s decision to pass on Victor Osimhen is a sensible one. Despite his proven goal-scoring record, his wage demands would disrupt the club’s salary structure and potentially create dressing room tensions. Surpassing Bruno Fernandes as the highest earner could unsettle key players and disrupt team harmony.
Moreover, Rúben Amorim’s tactical approach prioritises intensity, mobility, and constant pressing, attributes that align more closely with Matheus Cunha than Osimhen. Cunha offers versatility, capable of operating as a lone striker or as a second forward, utilising his movement and game intelligence to link play effectively.
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Liam Delap, meanwhile, represents a long-term project. The Ipswich Town forward has raw talent and room for growth, making him an ideal candidate to develop under Amorim without the immediate pressure to deliver. With the right guidance, Delap could become a valuable asset in United’s attacking setup.
Viktor Gyökeres also presents an intriguing option. The Swedish striker combines physicality with intelligent link-up play, making him a natural fit alongside United’s quick wingers. He can hold up the ball, bring others into play, and attack space effectively, traits that would complement Amorim’s high-tempo style.
For United, the focus should not be on acquiring marquee names but on finding functional, adaptable forwards who can integrate seamlessly into Amorim’s pressing system. Identifying a striker who understands the pace and intensity Amorim wants to impose could finally bring the attacking balance United have been searching for. The key now is to avoid costly missteps and build with consistency and purpose.