Who Is Manchester United’s Best Striker: Osimhen, Lewandowski, Vlahović, or Mateta?

Super Eagles forward Victor Osimhen remains firmly on the radar of Manchester United as the club’s search for a new striker ahead of the 2026‑27 season, Afrik‑Foot reports.

The Red Devils are looking to add experience and proven goals to their attack despite already having Slovenian forward Benjamin Sesko at Old Trafford. Sesko arrived with huge expectations but needed time to settle into English football before showing encouraging signs under manager Michael Carrick.

According to reports from CaughtOffside, Osimhen is viewed as Manchester United’s preferred attacking target. The Nigerian international is coming off another productive campaign with Galatasaray, where he scored 22 goals and supplied eight assists across competitions.

United’s interest is understandable. Osimhen has consistently delivered goals at club and international level, while his pace, strength, movement and ability to perform in big matches have constantly caught the attention of top European clubs. However, any move remains complicated due to competition from other major clubs and the significant transfer fee required to secure his services.

Photo by Thor Wegner DeFodi/IMAGO

Alongside Osimhen, United are also monitoring Crystal Palace striker Jean‑Philippe Mateta, Juventus forward Dusan Vlahovic, Bournemouth youngster Eli Junior Kroupi and Barcelona veteran Robert Lewandowski as they evaluate options for the coming season.

How Osimhen compares with Man United’s other targets

When the numbers from the 2025‑26 season are placed side by side, Osimhen emerges as arguably the most complete forward on United’s shortlist.

The Super Eagles star finished the campaign with 22 goals, including seven in the Champions League, and eight assists for the Turkish giants, giving him 30 direct goal contributions. Even Robert Lewandowski did not come close as he finished with 19 goals, but the Barcelona striker managed just four assists.

Osimhen’s combination of finishing and creativity separates him from the rest of the group. Lewandowski remained deadly in front of goal for Barcelona and Poland, but Osimhen offered far more all‑round attacking production.

Barcelona forward Robert Lewandowski. Copyright: xJosexBretonx IMAGO

Bournemouth teenager Eli Junior Kroupi enjoyed a breakthrough season with 13 goals and became known for his remarkable conversion rate. Yet his overall output was nowhere near Osimhen’s level, with the Nigerian contributing almost three times as many goals and assists combined.

Mateta continued to be Crystal Palace’s reliable focal point, recording 16 goals and three assists. While the Frenchman proved effective in the Premier League, Osimhen produced stronger numbers both domestically and in European competition, including several important Champions League performances.

Vlahovic, meanwhile, scored 10 goals and added two assists for Juventus. Although he showed flashes of quality despite limited playing time, injuries and squad rotation prevented him from matching Osimhen’s consistency and influence over an entire season.

Looking purely at production, versatility and impact, Osimhen’s 30 goal contributions place him at the top of Manchester United’s striker shortlist.

With the Old Trafford giants seeking an experienced forward capable of delivering immediately, the Super Eagles star presents a stronger statistical case than most of the alternatives currently under consideration.