Manchester United have received what Patrice Evra called the “best” transfer advice in their search for a striker, with the former Red Devils defender telling GOAL that Victor Osimhen should be taken to Old Trafford. The prolific Nigeria international is still contracted to Turkish heavyweights Galatasaray, but a move to the Premier League has been discussed for some time and 2026 may be the year when that transfer finally happens.

Nigeria star Osimhen has built an outstanding goalscoring record.

United are understood to have tracked Osimhen in the recent past, with his work in the final third impossible to overlook. He enjoyed Serie A title success while scoring 76 goals over four seasons with Napoli.

He has kept up those exceptional personal numbers in Turkey, finding the net 59 times in 74 appearances for Gala. He remains under contract in Istanbul until 2029, which means it would take a massive bid for negotiations to even begin.

What Man Utd need before the summer transfer deadline.

Evra feels United should be ready to spend heavily on the 27-year-old striker, with Benjamin Sesko currently the only recognised No.9 in Michael Carrick’s squad. Speaking to GOAL in association with Stake, the former France international said of what the Red Devils still require before another deadline passes: “A striker, someone who scores a goal. I think that's what I'm looking at. That's why for me, Osimhen is the best. He’s a perfect example.

“We're going to miss Casemiro, but I believe in [Andrey] Santos and what I saw in pre-season, he can do something good over there. And Bruno [Fernandes], he’s still Bruno. [Patrick] Dorgu and [Bryan] Mbeumo are playing, we’ve got Amad Diallo. So we have got something offensively.

“Defensively, they may need to find a good alternative left-back. Maybe another centre-back. Harry Maguire, for me, is doing his job and you know, he’s criticised a lot, but he shows you the resilience. I think maybe we need to find a good right-back, a good attacking and defensive right-back.”

Why Rashford could feel like a new signing for Man Utd.

One player who may seem like a fresh addition for the Red Devils, despite having been with the club since he was seven, is Marcus Rashford. The England international is being brought back into the setup after loan spells with Aston Villa and Barcelona.

The 28-year-old had been seeking a permanent transfer away, but with 426 appearances and 138 goals for United already to his name, he is now being backed to make a strong contribution in familiar surroundings.

Premier League and Champions League winner Evra added on Rashford getting a clean slate in Manchester: “I think United fans, they forgive. They forgive. But after, you know, there's all the pressure on social media and stuff like that, I think [Matheus] Cunha is doing very well.

“It's up to Marcus to accept that maybe he’s not the first choice. I'm not the first choice, but I'm going to prove to you guys that when I'm going to be on that pitch, I will bleed and die for Man United.

“So he just needs to be honest with himself. But the fans forgive. Some of them, yes, on social media, they're going to make some noise, but the real United fans, they really want Marcus Rashford to succeed at United.”

Man Utd fixtures 2026-27: Pre-season and Premier League opener.

Rashford remained on the sidelines as United beat Leeds on penalties in their latest friendly. He could get some game time when the Red Devils face Christian Pulisic’s AC Milan on Saturday.

Carrick will then lead his side into their first Premier League outing of the 2026-27 season when they travel to newly-promoted Hull City on August 22, with pressure already mounting to bring home major silverware while competing in both domestic and European competitions.