Why Man Utd said ‘no’ to Osimhen last year and didn’t sign Toney this summer

Manchester United scouted Napoli striker Victor Osimhen during the 2022-23 season, but concerns were raised over his ability to hold up the ball, according to ESPN.

The Nigerian international bagged 31 goals in 39 games that season, helping his club win the Serie A title.

However, the Red Devils doubted whether the Italian top-flight was a strong enough league to truly measure his ability.

Man United cited the prolific form of Romelu Lukaku at Inter Milan, who then struggled upon returning to the Premier League with Chelsea, as a reason to be sceptical of the real quality of Osimhen.

Their doubts over the quality of Serie A did not stop them from splashing £72 million to sign Rasmus Hojlund from Atalanta.

The Old Trafford club also signed Joshua Zirkzee from Bologna in the last summer transfer window but had considered a move for England international striker Ivan Toney.

However, Man United ruled out a move for the former Brentford star because he did not fit into the profile manager Erik Ten Hag wanted in a striker.

While Toney boasted an impressive strike rate, the Red Devils felt he did not press defenders energetically enough and decided to sign Zirkzee instead.

Hojlund ended his debut campaign in England with 16 goals in 43 games, while his Netherlands international counterpart has one goal in six appearances this term.

The duo fit into the way the Dutchman wants his strikers to play, but whether they have what it takes to lead Man United to their first Premier League title since 2013 remains to be seen.

Manchester City striker Erling Braut Haaland has scored 100 goals in 105 games for the club, and United may need to sign a similar prolific hitman if they are serious about challenging for major silverware.