Rafael tips Osimhen to replace Hojlund at Manchester United

Former Manchester United defender Rafael da Silva has backed Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen to lead the Red Devils’ attack ahead of Rasmus Hojlund, Soccernet.ng reports.

The Napoli star showed a positive performance during his season-long loan move to Galatasaray in the 2024–25 season, with a goal tally of 36 and eight assists in 44 appearances for the Yellow-Reds.

Speaking during a presser in Lyon, Rafael responded to a question from RG by openly admitting his preference for Osimhen, whom he described as a complete striker.

“Osimhen, I love him, he’s a very good player. I have to say I prefer him over Hojlund for sure. He’s 100%,” said the three-time Premier League champion.

“I’m not a fan of Hojlund, I hope he gets better. I don’t know if he will stay at Manchester United or not. I would pick Osimhen to play for Manchester, of course, to play as a striker.”

The Brazilian’s comment comes after Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim publicly defended Hojlund in the same media briefing, following renewed scrutiny of the Danish striker’s performance in the recent final.

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The 2023 African Footballer of the Year topped the Turkish League goalscorers’ chart with 25 goals in 29 league matches, which further piqued the interest of many European clubs vying for his signature.

The 26-year-old also topped the Serie A scoring charts in the 2023–24 campaign with 26 goals, which guided Napoli to their first Scudetto in over three decades.

Speculation is likely to intensify around a potential summer move to Old Trafford as United look to bolster their frontline, but it is still an uncertain move for Osimhen, as the club will not be playing in the Champions League in the upcoming season.