Manchester United’s quest to rebuild under new manager Ruben Amorim hit a potential roadblock as they reportedly missed out on signing Napoli’s prolific striker Victor Osimhen, who is now nearing a move to Al-Hilal. The Red Devils’ decision to block a £100 million transfer of captain Bruno Fernandes to the Saudi club may have cost them the funds to secure the Nigerian star. With United’s attack struggling, this article explores the implications of retaining Fernandes, the allure of Osimhen, and whether United can pivot to other targets like Viktor Gyokeres to bolster their frontline.
The Fernandes Dilemma: Loyalty vs. Financial Power
After Manchester United’s Europa League final defeat in 2024-25, captain Bruno Fernandes publicly expressed his commitment to the club but left the door open for a potential exit if United sought to cash in. Al-Hilal, a Saudi Pro League giant, made a staggering offer: a £700,000-per-week contract for Fernandes and a transfer fee of £80-100 million for United. The Red Devils, under Amorim’s new regime, chose to retain their talismanic midfielder, who contributed 10 goals and 14 assists in the Premier League last season.
While Fernandes’ leadership and creativity are invaluable—his 0.92 goal involvements per match rank among the league’s elite—the decision to keep him may have limited United’s transfer budget. The £100 million from his sale could have funded a transformative signing, particularly in attack, where Rasmus Hojlund (7 goals in 28 starts) and Joshua Zirkzee (4 goals in 22 starts) have failed to deliver consistent firepower. United’s 12th-ranked Premier League goal tally (46 goals in 2024-25) underscores the need for a proven striker to compete with rivals like Manchester City and Arsenal.
Victor Osimhen: The Dream Striker United Missed
Victor Osimhen, the 26-year-old Nigerian striker, emerged as a prime target for United. His remarkable record—85 goals over the last three seasons, including 37 goals in 41 matches on loan at Galatasaray in 2024-25—makes him one of Europe’s most lethal forwards. Osimhen’s pace, physicality, and clinical finishing helped Napoli win the 2022-23 Serie A title, and his 6-foot-1 frame suits the Premier League’s physical demands.
However, Al-Hilal has swooped in with a £65 million offer plus £5 million in bonuses, as reported by Fabrizio Romano, leaving United in the dust. The Saudi club’s financial muscle, bolstered by their failed bid for Fernandes, positions them to secure Osimhen, who could have formed a devastating partnership with Fernandes and Marcus Rashford at Old Trafford. United’s hesitation—likely due to budget constraints after rejecting Fernandes’ sale—has cost them a chance to land a striker who could have transformed their attack.
Alternative Targets: Gyokeres, Cunha, and Mbeumo
United’s striker search hasn’t ended with Osimhen’s likely move to Al-Hilal. Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres, who thrived under Amorim in Portugal, is a top candidate. Gyokeres scored an astonishing 54 goals in 52 games in 2024-25, leading Sporting to the Primeira Liga title. Sporting’s £60 million asking price—below his £85 million release clause due to a verbal agreement—makes him a realistic target. His familiarity with Amorim’s high-pressing system and physical style could make him an ideal fit, though negotiations hinge on United offloading players to free up funds.
Other options include Wolves’ Matheus Cunha, who scored 12 goals in 2024-25, and Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo, a versatile forward with 9 goals and 6 assists. United also pursued Ipswich’s Liam Delap, but the young English striker opted for Chelsea in a £30 million deal. While Gyokeres appears the most attainable, United’s ability to secure any of these targets depends on financial maneuvering, potentially through sales of underperforming players like Zirkzee or Anthony Martial, whose contract expires in 2025.
The Cost of Keeping Fernandes: A Strategic Misstep?
Retaining Fernandes was a statement of intent from United, signaling their commitment to building around their captain. His vision, work rate, and clutch performances—such as his match-winning assist in the 3-2 comeback against Tottenham in December 2024—make him the heartbeat of the team. However, the £100 million from Al-Hilal could have addressed United’s glaring need for a top-tier striker, a position that has haunted them since Cristiano