Nicky Butt Tips Osimhen As Ideal Striker For Manchester United

Former England international Nicky Butt believes Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen would be the perfect fit to lead the line for Manchester United.

Butt expressed concerns over the current attacking options at Old Trafford, suggesting that Benjamin Sesko, while showing potential, lacks the consistent firepower required to be the club’s primary striker.

In an interview with the Mirror, Butt urged the Red Devils to consider Osimhen to provide the crucial goals the team needs. He highlighted Sesko’s potential but questioned his readiness for the demands of Champions League football and the Premier League.

“I don’t think he can carry the club up front on his own, they’ll need another No. 9,” Butt stated regarding Sesko. “He’s shown he’s got massive potential, great movement, and he works his socks off. He can score a goal, and you can see he’s good in the air, but he’s not the complete centre-forward for United at that level.”

Butt stressed the importance of recruiting a top-tier striker, suggesting that while Sesko has a future at the club, a more established goalscorer is needed immediately. “They’re going to have to go out and buy a top, top player,” he added. “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.”

The 51-year-old former United midfielder specifically endorsed Osimhen, noting his attributes and perceived availability. “I think he’d [Osimhen] be the one,” Butt said. “You’d like to think that players from Turkish sides are gettable. The recruitment team will not only look at the best players, but you’re looking at the gettable ones.”

Butt praised Osimhen’s physicality and all-round game: “I think he’s powerful, quick, he can run in behind, he’s strong, has got a good touch, can score different types of goals, he’s good in the air.” He cautioned against repeating past recruitment mistakes of investing heavily in unproven talent, citing the cases of Sesko and Rasmus Højlund.

“With Sesko, it’s the same mistake as Højlund. A young, unproven striker, a lot of money, too much weight on his shoulders,” Butt explained. “Sesko might be ready in two or three years, but not right now and definitely not in the Champions League. I know Osimhen isn’t proven in the Premier League, but you look at his physicality and the way he plays football, he can definitely handle it.”