Man Utd legend Rio Ferdinand tells Ruben Amorim which striker he should sign as Red Devils weigh up move for Victor Osimhen or Viktor Gyokeres

In an interview with Mirror Sport, Ferdinand heralded the 26-year-old Nigerian as the right solution to United's lack of firepower up front. Osihmen's track record in France, Italy, and Turkey, makes him the more proven prospect according to the United legend. The Napoli striker spent last season at Galatasary where he bagged 37 goals in 45 games in all competitions. That output dwarves the seven league goals shared by the inexperienced pair of Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee in the 2024-25 season.

United have rekindled their interest in Osimhen, but are widely tipped to be competing with Arsenal for Gyokeres' services. The Swedish striker has a reported release clause of £85m, while Napoli's asking price of £63m for Osimhen was met by Al-Hilal. The Nigerian decided against a move to the Middle East, opening the door for United.

Ferdinand said: "[Man United need] a centre-forward with experience. That's it. I think United can go and get a lot of players and get loads of stuff. But I think it's been evident that Hojlund came in for huge money and hasn't hit the ground running, has struggled really. Zirkzee hasn't done much better than him, really.

"So, I think you need someone in all the good teams you see. They normally have at least one of the attacking players, normally the number nine. And you go, actually, yeah, I can pin my hat on him. I can rely on him.

"And I think Hojlund's lack of experience has been a big factor. So, a striker, I don't want any striker. I think I've said it on my podcast many times. I think a striker with experience, knows his right way around the football field, who the young ones they've invested in, like Hojlund and Zirkzee and Chido [Obi] can learn from."

On Gyokeres, he added: "I think Gyokeres, everyone's talking about him. Again, I think if I'm looking at the market now and I had to pick him or Osimhen, I'd probably pick Osimhen because of that experience.

"And he's shown he's done it in multiple leagues now. And he's done it internationally as well. I think he's a top-class number nine who, again, the young players will be able to learn from. I'm not saying that Gyokeres would fail. I'm just saying that if I had a preference, I would go there."

Whether Gyokeres ultimately ends up in Manchester or London, it appears the Swede's future resides in England. Should United fail to pip the gunners to his signature, they have a fantastic second option in Oshimen who has solidified his status as one of Europe's most prolific strikers, regardless of the league he finds himself in.