Rio Ferdinand’s job is to talk about football, make headlines – and tell his old club Manchester United what it takes to succeed. It is somewhat liberatingly comfortable as a United legend to analyse today’s Man United, but Ferdinand, unlike Roy Keane, tends to come up with well-considered analyses and less of “f… ing disgrace!”. So when one of the best centre-backs in Premier League history points to the striker Ruben Amorim needs, we listen.
Two months before the transfer window opens, Gyökeres, Osimhen, Sesko and Liam Delap are still linked with Manchester United, but with a buyout clause of “only” £40 million for the latter, 22 years young and 12 Premier League goals this season, the Ipwsich striker has moved up as a top candidate. Rio Ferdinand believes Manchester United must steer clear of the trap of bringing in another young striker.
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“We need Osimhen. We need experience. We need someone who knows how to score. We need someone who can come and show these young strikers at United how to do it,” Ferdinand begins on his own channel.
“If I was Manchester United, I would make it happen. I want someone who is at an elite level and who knows how to regularly do it at an elite level. Osimhen has done it, Ferdinand doses.
Alan Shearer and Andy Cole said the same, six months after the club signed young Rasmus Hojlund in 2023. The youngsters must have an experienced striker role model in front of them.
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The buyout clause for Osimhen is 75 million euros, Ferdinand believes it is worth investing in a striker who has delivered season, season after season – and scores from all angles and heights.
