Djibril Cissé backs in-form Osimhen to solve Manchester United's striker crisis

Victor Osimhen has emerged as a transfer target for Manchester United, with former Liverpool and QPR striker Djibril Cissé publicly backing the Galatasaray forward to revive the club’s misfiring attack.

Osimhen, 27, has been in devastating form for the Istanbul side, scoring nine goals in his last nine appearances across all competitions — including both goals in their derby victory over Fenerbahce on Monday night. In Europe’s top five leagues, only Barcelona’s Raphinha has been more prolific per 90 minutes in league football this season, with Osimhen netting eight times in fewer than 500 minutes.

“Victor Osimhen has the profile to play in England,” Cissé said. “I think Manchester United could suit him, and I believe there was already some interest at the start of the year or last year. He loves the Premier League. He’s unpredictable, he scores goals, he’s complete, he has the profile for English football, and I think that’s what United are missing right now.”

United’s goalscoring struggles have been a persistent problem, with much of their attacking output this season coming from Bryan Mbeumo rather than their recognised strikers. Benjamin Sesko, signed to lead the line, has been hampered by injury and has yet to make the consistent impact the club hoped for. He follows Joshua Zirkzee and Rasmus Hojlund as forwards who have failed to nail down the role.

Osimhen joined Galatasaray from Napoli last summer on a permanent basis after spending the 2024-25 season on loan at the club. His departure from Naples followed a breakdown in relations with the Italian side after they posted a TikTok video widely interpreted as racially offensive. Despite significant interest from several clubs during the summer of 2024, potential moves fell through as suitors turned their attention elsewhere.

What initially appeared to be a step down in profile has instead become a platform for Osimhen to reassert himself as one of the world’s most dangerous forwards. He has won the Turkish Super Lig twice with Galatasaray, adding to the Serie A title he claimed with Napoli.

Whether United move for Osimhen will depend on broader factors at the club, including the form of head coach Michael Carrick and ongoing questions around the captaincy. But with goals in short supply and a striker of Osimhen’s calibre available and in form, the case Cissé is making is unlikely to go unheard.