Manchester United signing Osimhen is a risk – Rio Ferdinand

Manchester United star Rio Ferdinand has warned his former club to sign English star, Harry Kane, instead of Nigerian international, Victor Osimhen.

Osimhen is one of several strikers currently on United’s radar, with Erik ten Hag keen to add goals to his squad and ease the burden on Marcus Rashford. The Nigerian footballer’s 23 goals in 30 appearances helped Napoli to its first Serie A title in 30 years earlier this month.

Harry Kane is Ten Hag’s priority target, but the Reds are looking elsewhere under the assumption that Tottenham will not sell their star under any circumstances, leading them to Osimhen.

While Ferdinand admits the Nigerian would ‘tick every box’, the Reds’ former defender believes it would be a ‘risk’ to bring him across from Italy for such massive money.

Speaking on his Five YouTube Channel, the retired footballer said;

“A number nine is the obvious area that Man Utd need to sort out, we need to get a number in the building. There are two names that keep coming up – Osimhen from Napoli and Harry Kane. Ultimately, it is down to Kane and (Tottenham chairman) Daniel Levy.

“If they both say ‘yes, we want to make it happen’, I think Man Utd get it done. The numbers can’t be ridiculous, Levy’s got to be realistic. They’ve got blood, sweat, tears, records, goals, and the lot out of Harry Kane.

“Let the guy do what he needs to do now, man. Let him go on and try to compete for Champions Leagues, for championships, for cup competitions.”

Kane has scored 28 Premier League goals this season, second only to Erling Haaland. However, Spurs are in danger of missing out on European football, while United despite being some way behind Premier League Champions, Manchester City, are at least now assured of a top four finish.

Ferdinand added;

“If he came to Man Utd, he might not even be competing for a title. It might take another year or two,” Ferdinand continued. “But they’re closer than where Spurs are, that’s the point.

“Osimhen is a different kettle of fish. He’s 24, he’s scored goals in France and now in Italy. Won the league (in Italy) and knows how to win leagues.

“He’s been a No.9 at a dominant team in the football league. Is that transferable to the Premier League? No one knows that. That’s the chance United would have to take on him.

“That’s the only risk I see. He doesn’t know the league – that’s it. Ability wise and profile, goalscoring, he ticks every box, but there is an unknown factor in does he know how to play in the Premier League? Can he adapt to the Premier League?

“But I wouldn’t see that as a big risk. I’d take either of those two and I’d be happy but the one thing with Kane, he guarantees you 20 or 25 goals a season. There’s no doubt in your mind he gets that when he comes to Man Utd.”