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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Sport
George Smith

Odion Ighalo advises Victor Osimhen over Manchester United transfer

Former Manchester United loanee Odion Ighalo believes Napoli striker Victor Osimhen would be an ideal fit at at Old Trafford amid the club's interest in securing in his signature.

United are set to prioritise the addition of a new striker this forthcoming summer. Manager Erik ten Hag wants to add two significant signings to his squad and a striker is at the top of his wish list.

Osimhen, who recently admitted that it is his 'dream' to play in the Premier League, was earmarked as a target by United last year. The Nigerian international has been in terrific form for Napoli this season, plundering 21 goals in 26 appearances in all competitions.

READ MORE: Erik ten Hag can't make the United changes he needs to after Liverpool thrashing

The 24-year-old is considered as one of the most sought-after strikers in European football and is attracting interest from a plethora of big-name clubs. However, former Reds striker Ighalo, who made 23 appearances during his 12-month stay in Manchester, believes he would be perfect for United, pointing to how he could form a deadly partnership with Marcus Rashford.

"I think it's a good fit because he is a young boy, he runs and he can score goals," Ighalo told Sky Sports. "Having Victor Osimhen and Rashford in the top at Manchester United will cause any defender panic, because they are two fast players and they are goalscorers.

"I think he will fit in Manchester United so well. If he asked for my opinion and what should he do, I would advise him to join Man United because, for me, they are the biggest club."

Ighalo, who is currently on the books of Saudi Arabian club Al Hilal SFC, knows Osimhen well and they are often in contact.

Osimhen continued: "I know him so well, he's like a brother to me. We talk once in a while, I advise him, I talk to him and I tell him to keep working hard and believe in himself, which he is doing. He is on the right path.

"He is a goalscorer, he never stops. Osimhen is like an ant. He is a striker that doesn't give defenders a chance to rest; he is always going to be on you, he is always going to press you and he isn't afraid.

"He is somebody who has the heart of a lion. He will try and put his head on any ball to try and score, I know that. He takes risks and I think it would be a feat for Man United, just in the same way this Argentina defender [Lisandro Martinez] - The Butcher... you see that guy going for every ball. He is similar to Osimhen."

Ighalo also compared Osimhen with former Chelsea striker Didier Drogba, likening the former's hunger to succeed to that of the Ivorian.

"I think Didier Drogba," Ighalo added, giving his verdict on who Osimhen reminds him of. "I remember Didier Drogba, the way he scored goals, the way he fought, the way he ran, the way he put his head and leg on every ball. He just wanted to score goals."

On whether he has advised Osimhen to join United, Ighalo said: "We don't speak about what his future holds, that is the work of his agent and is his privacy, but if he asks me for my opinion and what he should do, I would say to join Manchester United because it is the biggest club."

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