LIVE RADIO
Monday, January 5, 2026
Soccernet.ng
  • AFCON 2025
    • AFCON News
    • AFCON Betting Sites
    • AFCON Odds
  • Leagues
    • EPL
    • NPFL
    • La Liga
    • Seria A
    • Ligue 1
  • Live Scores
  • Soccernet TV
  • Lifestyle
  • Betting
    • 1xBet
      • 1xBet Promo Code
      • 1xBet App
    • Bet9ja
      • Bet9ja Promotion Code
      • Bet9ja App
    • Betano
      • Betano Promo Code
      • Betano App
    • BetKing
      • BetKing Referral Code
      • BetKing App
    • BC.Game
      • BC GAME Bonus Code
      • BC Game App
    • 22bet
      • 22Bet Promo Code
    • Paripesa
      • PariPesa Promo Code
      • PariPesa App
    • Nairabet
      • Nairabet App
    • Melbet
      • Melbet Promo Code
      • Melbet App
    • Stake
      • Stake Referral Code
    • Guides
No Result
View All Result
Soccernet.ng
  • AFCON 2025
    • AFCON News
    • AFCON Betting Sites
    • AFCON Odds
  • Leagues
    • EPL
    • NPFL
    • La Liga
    • Seria A
    • Ligue 1
  • Live Scores
  • Soccernet TV
  • Lifestyle
  • Betting
    • 1xBet
      • 1xBet Promo Code
      • 1xBet App
    • Bet9ja
      • Bet9ja Promotion Code
      • Bet9ja App
    • Betano
      • Betano Promo Code
      • Betano App
    • BetKing
      • BetKing Referral Code
      • BetKing App
    • BC.Game
      • BC GAME Bonus Code
      • BC Game App
    • 22bet
      • 22Bet Promo Code
    • Paripesa
      • PariPesa Promo Code
      • PariPesa App
    • Nairabet
      • Nairabet App
    • Melbet
      • Melbet Promo Code
      • Melbet App
    • Stake
      • Stake Referral Code
    • Guides
No Result
View All Result
Soccernet.ng
No Result
View All Result

Manchester United’s goal struggle against Leeds forces ex-captain to call for Osimhen transfer

by Adefolahan Guerreiro
January 5, 2026
in EPL, News, NewsNow, Nigeria, Super Eagles, This Week, Top, Transfers
Manchester United’s goal struggle against Leeds forces ex-captain to call for Osimhen transfer

Manchester United squad celebrating their 2008 UEFA Champions League win in Moscow, Victor Osimhen. [Photo Credit/ Imago].

Record Premier League Champions Manchester United have sacked their head coach, Ruben Amorim, after the Portuguese coach spent 13 months at Old Trafford, Soccernet.ng reports.

Former United captain Rio Ferdinand, over the past two seasons, has called for the Red Devils to sign Super Eagles forward Victor Osimhen, and has done so again.

Upon Amorim's arrival, Rasmus Hojlund, Joshua Zirkzee and Chido Obi-Martin were United's striking options, and many called for the input of a proven goalscorer to help the club's troubles in front of goal.

In the summer, Hojlund joined Napoli on a season-long loan, and he's flourished under Antonio Conte, scoring nine goals across all competitions.

Rasmus Hojlund applauds the fans of Manchester United
Rasmus Hojlund applauds the fans of Manchester United. [Photo Credit: Imago/Phil Duncan].
Get Our Sports News First – Join Our WhatsApp Channel Now!

The three-time UEFA Champions League winners then splashed €76.5m to secure the services of Benjamin Sesko from RB Leipzig, while Galatasaray spent a record €75m to bring Osimhen from Napoli to RAMS Park.

Manchester United's goal struggle

In 20 English Premier League games this season, Amorim-led United won eight games, drew seven and lost five. They've also scored 34 goals and conceded 30.

His system, whether static or fluid, has always been known for its defensive frailties and profligacy in front of goal.

While many United fans clamoured for the sale of Andre Onana, the club splashed €21m for Senne Lammens from Royal Antwerp, but the big Belgian hasn't proven to be much of an upgrade.

In attack, two of United's strikers, Joshua Zirkzee and Benjamin Sesko, have four goals between them, evenly split.

Benjamin Sesko during the Manchester United FC v Arsenal FC English Premier League match at Old Trafford, Manchester, England, United Kingdom
Benjamin Sesko during the Manchester United FC v Arsenal FC English Premier League match at Old Trafford, Manchester, England, United Kingdom. [Photo Credit: Imago/Phil Duncan].
Bryan Mbeumo (6) and Bruno Fernandes (5) have shouldered the goalscoring responsibilities, but the timing of the AFCON 2025 tournament and a hamstring injury have seen the 2017 Europa League winners be without the duo for the last three games.

Rio Ferdinand calls for Victor Osimhen transfer, again

Manchester United's goal struggle over their past two games has been evident, recording 1-1 draws against a relegation-bound Wolverhampton Wanderers and Leeds United.

Interview by Peter Crouch and Rio Ferdinand TV Expert before the UEFA Champions League football match between BSC Young Boys and Aston Villa
Interview by Peter Crouch and Rio Ferdinand, TV experts, before the UEFA Champions League football match between BSC Young Boys and Aston Villa at Stadion Wankdorf in Bern, Switzerland. Copyright: ImagoxPhilippxKresnik

Across both fixtures, United created just three big chances, with Zirkzee and Cunha feeding from scraps to find the back of the net.

Rio Ferdinand lifted the English Premier League title six times during his time with Manchester United, and the goalscoring problem has reached a breaking point for the Englishman, who clarified his preference for Victor Osimhen last summer.

While the 47-year-old believes it was a mistake not to bring Osimhen to Old Trafford, he also highlighted Danny Welbeck’s transfer exit as another blunder by his former club.

“I’ve said before they should never have sold Danny Welbeck,” Ferdinand said on his YouTube channel after United’s draw with Leeds.

Victor Osimhen with his matchball after scoring a hat-trick against Ajax at the Johan Cruiff Arena
Victor Osimhen with his matchball after scoring a hat-trick against Ajax at the Johan Cruiff Arena in Amsterdam. [Photo Credit/ Victor Osimhen on X].

“I couldn’t believe we let him go. Now we’re seeing why I was adamant about that because he’s doing his thing at Brighton. He’s scoring goals and is a player you can depend on.

“But that ship has sailed, it’s gone now, he’s too old, but we shouldn’t have let him go in the first place.

“We need to go and recruit, or we need players back as soon as possible. It’s one of the two

“I still say we should have signed Victor Osimhen. I don’t want to keep going there, but we should have signed him because there’s no question asked there. It’s just pure experience with him.

Victor Osimhen celebrates his goal with teammate Mario Lemina during the UEFA Champions League league phase match between Galatasaray SK and FK Bodo/Glimt
Victor Osimhen celebrates his goal with teammate Mario Lemina during the UEFA Champions League group phase match between Galatasaray SK and FK Bodo/Glimt in Istanbul, Turkey, 22 October 2025. Copyright: ImagoxDepoxPhotos

“We don’t play the ball into Sesko enough; that’s a big thing. He’s a work in progress, and I think he needs to get the ball more.

“He was a bit loose with it today, but I still think we’re not crossing the ball enough. He should be asking for the ball more and demanding it.

“There’s something there with Sesko, but he needs more time because he’s young and it’s not easy being a number nine for Man United,” the ex-United captain concluded.

Victor Osimhen in action for Galatasaray
Victor Osimhen in action during the match. Galatasaray SK and FK Godo Glimt faced each other at the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD3. Copyright: xBurakxBasturkximago

While United's problems in front of goal appear to be a recurring theme, they now face a weightier task in finding a manager who'll get the best from these players between now and the end of the season.

OFFICIAL: Darren Fletcher takes over Manchester United on interim basis after Rúben Amorim is sacked. pic.twitter.com/T2l8oS54GE

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 5, 2026

Meanwhile, Victor Osimhen has continued to thrive in Galatasaray, scoring six goals in four UEFA Champions League games.

Victor Osimhen is the first ever Galatasaray player to score in seven consecutive games in major European competitions, breaking Burak Yilmaz's record.

⚽⚽ vs. Tottenham
⚽ vs. AZ Alkmaar
⚽ vs. Dynamo Kyiv
⚽ vs. Ajax
⚽ vs. AZ Alkmaar
⚽ vs. Lverpool
⚽⚽ vs. Bodø /… pic.twitter.com/VCT11zYnTs

— Squawka (@Squawka) October 22, 2025

The Super Eagles striker is joint-second with Erling Haaland in the competition's goalscorers list this season, as Kylian Mbappe leads the pack with nine goals.

Tags: EplGalatasarayLeeds UnitedManchester UnitedNigeriaRio FerdinandSuper EaglesTurkish Super LigVictor Osimhen
<!-- Author Start -->Adefolahan Guerreiro<!-- Author End -->

Adefolahan Guerreiro

Adefolahan is a multilingual sports journalist and football writer whose work spans outlets like Soccernet Nigeria, Pure Football UK, and Royalsportz. With a sharp eye for detail and a background in college sports, he tells the African football story with depth, flair, and global perspective. Fluent in English, Spanish, and German, he brings a cross-cultural voice to his coverage, blending insight with accessibility for readers around the world. His portfolio includes interviews with top Nigerian stars like Finidi George, Junior Lokosa, Sikiru Alimi, Sodiq Ismaila, and Abraham Onahi Ogbu. A devoted Borussia Dortmund fan, Adefolahan thrives on the emotion and rhythm of the beautiful game. Away from work, he’s a sci-fi enthusiast and series lover who enjoys exploring how sport, storytelling, and culture collide.

RelatedPosts

Manchester United’s goal struggle against Leeds forces ex-captain to call for Osimhen transfer
AFCON

“We will not be intimidated” – Every Word from Mozambique captain Elias Pelembe ahead of Super Eagles clash

1 hour ago
Manchester United’s goal struggle against Leeds forces ex-captain to call for Osimhen transfer
AFCON

Video: “Everybody wants to kill me” — Funny moment Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle reacted to pressure from Nigerians

2 hours ago
Manchester United’s goal struggle against Leeds forces ex-captain to call for Osimhen transfer
AFCON

AFCON 2025: Nigeria, Algeria battle to join Mali, Morocco, Senegal, Cameroon in quarterfinals

3 hours ago
Manchester United’s goal struggle against Leeds forces ex-captain to call for Osimhen transfer
AFCON

AFCON 2025: Eric Chelle dreams of five-goal win as Super Eagles brace for Mozambique test

4 hours ago

See other News

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Latest

“We will not be intimidated” – Every Word from Mozambique captain Elias Pelembe ahead of Super Eagles clash

Video: “Everybody wants to kill me” — Funny moment Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle reacted to pressure from Nigerians

AFCON 2025: Nigeria, Algeria battle to join Mali, Morocco, Senegal, Cameroon in quarterfinals

AFCON 2025: Eric Chelle dreams of five-goal win as Super Eagles brace for Mozambique test

What Conde plans against Super Eagles despite Nenê, Edmilson, and Langa injury concerns

Soccernet.ng

Copyright © 2025 Soccernet Media Limited.

Navigate Site

  • Contact Us
  • About Us
  • Journalist Charter
  • Responsible Gambling
  • Terms of Use

Follow Us

No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • AFCON 2025
  • Leagues
    • EPL
    • NPFL
    • La Liga
    • Serie A
    • Ligue 1
  • Live Scores
  • Soccernet TV
  • Lifestyle
  • Best Betting Sites
    • Betano
      • Betano Promo Code
      • App
    • BetKing
      • BetKing Referral Code
      • BetKing App
    • Paripesa
      • PariPesa Promo Code
      • PariPesa App
    • 1xBet
      • 1xBet Promo Code
      • 1xBet App
    • Bet9ja
      • Bet9ja Promotion Code
      • App
    • 22bet
      • 22bet promo code
    • BC.Game
      • BC GAME Bonus Code
      • App
    • Melbet
      • Melbet Promo Code
      • Melbet App
    • BetWinner
      • BetWinner Promo Code
    • Stake
      • Stake Referral Code
    • Mozzartbet
    • Helabet
    • Betway
    • Guides

Copyright © 2025 Soccernet Media Limited.