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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Sport
Richard Fay & Tyrone Marshall & Steven Railston

Manchester United told by MEN reporters who they should choose out of Harry Kane and Victor Osimhen

Wout Weghorst has started 18 consecutive matches since joining Manchester United on loan in the January transfer window.

After the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo in November, Weghorst was signed to strengthen the attacking options, but he'd only managed to score two goals in 20 appearances during his previous stint in England and he was a stopgap arrival.

Although Weghorst's performances at Old Trafford have been committed and his attitude can't be faulted, he is certainly not a prolific goalscorer, which is something Erik ten Hag needs for the next stage of his rebuild.

ALSO READ: Finnish businessman confirms bid to buy United

Rather unsurprisingly, Ten Hag wants a centre-forward in the summer and it's understood Harry Kane has been earmarked as his prime striker target, whilst the Dutchman also admires Victor Osimhen, Goncalo Ramos and Mohammed Kudus.

So which striker should United sign this summer? Our writers have shared their thoughts below.

Tyrone Marshall

Preferred target: Victor Osimhen

There can be no doubt that Kane would come into this team and score goals, but the question is for how long? The striker will turn 30 before the start of next season and has a history of ankle problems. He has already shown signs of adapting his game to drop deeper from goal, but that is not what United need.

If they sign Kane then next season will begin with the core of this team at their peak. David de Gea, Raphael Varane, Casemiro and Kane would all be in their 30s. Bruno Fernandes turns 29 in September. It would be a team built to win but one that might only have two years at its peak before changes are needed. Fail to win the Premier League or the Champions League in that time and those signings might all be for nothing.

Osimhen is the long-term option. (Tullio Puglia - UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images.)

Osimhen could solve United's dilemma in attack for years. The Nigerian is only 24 and even if he takes a season to fully settle in, he still has years on Kane. He also appears to have a game that is well suited to the Premier League and is a proper No. 9, often occupying the shoulder of the last defender.

If both players attract a similar fee then Kane would have to score a lot more goals than Osimhen to make that look like value, when he is six years older. If he doesn't, what then? United could get to 2025 needing to look at succession planning for Varane, Casemiro and Kane. It feels like too short-term an approach in a league that is becoming increasingly difficult to win.

Rich Fay

Preferred target: Victor Osimhen

It's another vote for the Napoli forward. I agree that Kane would most likely have the better immediate impact, but it would come at the price of a huge transfer fee, protracted transfer talks, and a shorter shelf-life than Osimhen.

If United spend well this summer, they won't need to spend again for a while, and there are no greater candidates for the striker slot than the Serie A top-scorer.

Osimhen not only has 25 goals in 29 appearances this season, but he has scored every type of goal and looks like the same calibre of elite striker who could rival Kane and Erling Haaland for goals next season.

Ten Hag has already shown enough to indicate he will be here for long enough to reap the rewards of a long-term investment, and Osimhen could be the figurehead for a period of success in the years ahead.

Steven Railston

Preferred target: Harry Kane

Although Kane has been a one-club man throughout his career, he was eager to join Manchester City just 18 months ago and it's believed that he's currently flirting with the idea of pushing for an exit again due to Spurs' continued lack of progress.

It's not often an opportunity to sign a player of his calibre comes around and United would be foolish not to seriously consider lodging an £80million bid for his signature, which would represent value in today's market.

Kane is world-class. (2023 Chloe Knott - Danehouse)

He is a guarantee of goals in the Premier League and that's exactly what United require next season. He would hit the ground running, as he doesn't need the luxury of a 'settling in period', and being proven in the division is worth a lot.

His contract at Tottenham expires in 2024 and this summer is the logical time for the shrewd Daniel Levy to cash in, especially when considering the London club could use the funds to give to whoever succeeds Antonio Conte.

United should get three seasons of 20-plus goals from Kane and he could fire them to a league title.

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