Manchester United should explore a move for Victor Osimhen this summer, according to former midfielder Nicky Butt, who also believes Marcus Rashford’s return to form has been comparable to a £70m signing.
Butt, who came through Manchester United’s academy and made more than 380 appearances for the club, was discussing the team’s options in attack during an interview with The Midnight Show.
He suggested Rashford could be used as a centre-forward, with Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo potentially better suited to playing in wide positions. Benjamin Sesko, he added, could provide an alternative option from the bench.
“I think Rashford should be tried upfront because I think Cunha and Mbeumo might be better on the wing. I truly believe that. Sesko can sometimes come in and make an impact,” Butt said when discussing Manchester United’s striker situation in an interview with The Midnight Show.
Butt believes Osimhen could be a realistic target for Manchester United, unlike some of the most celebrated forwards in world football, whose availability would be far less certain.
“I think Osimhen is signable. I think a team like Manchester United might be able to sign him. I’m not saying he’s a superstar, if he were, it would be a foregone conclusion. You just have to talk about the players who can be signed. It’s pointless talking about the big-name stars because you can’t sign them.”
He added: “So I’d secretly keep an eye on that guy. I think from a physical and speed perspective, he’s a good fit for the Premier League.”
Osimhen’s physicality and pace were central to Butt’s assessment, with the former Manchester United player identifying those attributes as qualities that could suit the demands of English football.
Butt also praised Rashford’s response after a difficult period at Manchester United. The England forward came through the club’s academy, established himself at senior level and reached a status that Butt compared with the potential of Paris St-Germain forward Kylian Mbappe.
“Are we witnessing the start of a great redemption story for Rashford? You certainly hope so,” Butt added.
“For someone who’s had a couple of bad years at Manchester United, it would be a really inspiring story. He came through the academy and rose to superstardom, potentially reaching the heights of Mbappe.”
Rashford subsequently moved away from Manchester United, first performing reasonably well at Aston Villa before producing another strong spell at Barcelona. Butt said the reception Rashford has received since returning has been particularly striking.
“He left and did reasonably well at Villa, then went to Barcelona and performed well, but then things took a sharp turn for the worse. The welcome he’s receiving now is truly incredible.”
He also stressed the high standards Rashford must maintain if he is to sustain the support currently being shown to him.
“Think about it, few clubs would give a player such a welcome after he left for whatever reason. He’s back now. When he’s in form, he’s absolutely one of the top players in Europe.”
“But the problem with Marcus is that he has to stay focused all the time, because once he lets his guard down – there will be criticism from within the club. That’s definitely going to happen.”
Butt said questions about Rashford’s commitment would quickly return if his performances or focus dropped, but insisted his contribution this season should be viewed as highly valuable.
“People will say, ‘Does he really want to be here? Is his heart in it?’ But there’s no doubt, he’s like a £70 million signing.”
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