The mood around Old Trafford has grown increasingly heavy, with tension hanging over the club as Manchester United struggle to find clarity in both identity and execution.
The tactical framework inherited from Ruben Amorim — built around a 3-4-3 system — has become a complicated burden for interim boss Michael Carrick. What was once intended as a progressive structure now exposes the squad’s shortcomings.
United are not only thin on numbers, but also badly unbalanced, with one glaring weakness standing out above all others: the absence of natural, orthodox wide wingers capable of stretching play.
That imbalance was laid bare in the disappointing 2–1 FA Cup loss to Brighton. The defeat served as a harsh reality check, underlining that deploying Matheus Cunha on the left flank was never more than a temporary fix.
While Cunha offers movement and technical quality, he lacks the instincts of a true wide player, making the setup ineffective and unsustainable over the long term.
In contrast, Manchester City acted decisively, reinforcing their squad by spending £65 million on Antoine Semenyo — a move that only intensified frustration among United supporters.
Behind the scenes, United’s limitations are just as pronounced. With financial restraints preventing major spending sprees, technical director Jason Wilcox has been forced to explore short-term loan deals rather than blockbuster signings.
The club simply does not have the flexibility to aggressively attack the market, even as rivals continue to strengthen.
Amid the tactical uncertainty and squad deficiencies, a major debate has emerged over the striker position. The question facing Carrick and the recruitment team is deceptively simple yet strategically complex: does Manchester United truly need a world-class number nine like Victor Osimhen at this moment in time?
On the surface, United’s attack appears well-stocked. Significant money has already been invested, including £74 million on Benjamin Šeško, while creative talents such as Bryan Mbeumo and Amad Diallo offer promise and flair.
Yet matches tell a far less convincing story. Despite the names on paper, goals remain frustratingly scarce, and United continue to struggle for cutting edge in decisive moments.
Victor Osimhen represents the complete opposite scenario. Currently thriving at Galatasaray, the Nigerian striker is producing extraordinary numbers, scoring 49 goals in just 57 appearances. Those figures would make him a dream acquisition for almost any elite European club.
Unsurprisingly, Galatasaray have placed a staggering valuation on his head — around £121 million (€140 million) — a sum that sits well beyond United’s realistic budget in their current financial state.
Still, Manchester United’s global stature retains a powerful pull. In a discussion with former Ghanaian striker Asamoah Gyan, club legend Rio Ferdinand spoke with striking confidence about the prospect of Osimhen moving to Old Trafford.
When Gyan expressed his hope of seeing the striker in United colours, Ferdinand responded without hesitation: if United make a formal approach, Osimhen would accept the move without doubt.
That emphatic claim has energized supporters, but it also deepens Carrick’s dilemma. Committing the club’s limited financial resources to one elite striker could address the persistent goal-scoring problem, yet it would do little to resolve the structural issues within the system.
United still lack a genuine left winger to balance an attack where both Mbeumo and Amad naturally drift inside from the right.
Ultimately, Carrick and Wilcox face a delicate balancing act. Investing heavily in Osimhen may offer goals and star power, but it risks leaving a critical weakness unaddressed a vulnerability that could continue to undermine United’s tactical cohesion, regardless of how lethal their striker becomes.
