Nicky Butt Urges Manchester United to Pursue Victor Osimhen Signing
Manchester United legend Nicky Butt has publicly urged his former club to make a decisive move for Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen this summer. Butt has raised significant concerns about the current squad's attacking depth, particularly questioning whether young signing Benjamin Sesko can shoulder the goal-scoring burden alone as the club prepares for a return to the Champions League.
The Sesko Conundrum: Promise Versus Proven Quality
United secured Benjamin Sesko in a substantial £74 million deal from RB Leipzig last summer, fending off competition from Premier League rivals Arsenal and Newcastle United. The Slovenian international's season has been a tale of two halves. After a slow start with just two goals before the winter break, his form has dramatically improved following the departure of manager Ruben Amorim, netting eight times in his last eleven appearances—a run that included only four starts.
Despite this upturn, Butt remains unconvinced. 'I don't think he can carry the club up front on his own, they'll need another number nine,' the former midfielder stated emphatically. He acknowledged Sesko's massive potential, great movement, and work ethic, but stressed the striker is not yet the complete package required for Europe's elite competition.
'When you go into the Champions League, it's just a different kettle of fish,' Butt explained. 'The tempo is totally different, the pressure on it is totally different. You've then got to come back and perform in the league, maybe two days later.'
A Cautionary Tale and the Call for a 'Top, Top Player'
Butt pointed to a recent parallel he believes United must avoid repeating. The club previously failed to recruit an experienced striker to support Rasmus Hojlund after his arrival, a decision that ultimately contributed to the Dane's impending permanent departure to Napoli. Butt fears a similar scenario unfolding with Sesko, describing the current situation as 'the same mistake as Hojlund.'
'A young, unproven striker, a lot of money, too much weight on his shoulders,' Butt said of Sesko. 'Let's be honest he's scored a few goals, he's done well over the last few weeks but he's not been a roaring success. Sesko might be ready in two or three years but not right now and definitely not in the Champions League.'
His solution is clear: United must target a proven, elite striker. 'They're going to have to go out and buy a top, top player,' he insisted. 'I do believe in recruitment there's no point in going and buying a player who doesn't improve the squad. You've got to go and buy the best player.' Butt clarified that Sesko does not need replacing, but rather needs competition from a superior player who can also elevate his own game.
Victor Osimhen: The 'Gettable' £65 Million Answer
For Butt, that elite target is Victor Osimhen. The Nigerian international, currently in his second season with Galatasaray, was signed by the Turkish club for a record €75 million (approximately £65 million) last summer. Butt believes the 27-year-old represents a realistic and transformative signing.
'I think he'd [Osimhen] be the one. You'd like to think that players from Turkish sides are gettable,' Butt reasoned, highlighting the importance of targeting achievable transfers. 'The recruitment team will not only look at the best players, but you're looking at the ones that are gettable. You're wasting time on certain players that you're not going to get if they cost £120 million.'
Butt lavished praise on Osimhen's attributes, describing him as powerful, quick, strong, and adept at scoring different types of goals, including being a threat in the air. While acknowledging Osimhen lacks Premier League experience, Butt is confident his physicality and style of play mean he can 'definitely handle it.'
With Manchester United sitting third in the Premier League and on course for Champions League qualification, Butt's comments underscore the heightened expectations and the need for proven quality to compete on multiple fronts. The club's recruitment strategy this summer, particularly in the striker department, will be under intense scrutiny as they aim to bridge the gap to the very best in Europe.
