What Man Utd scouts loved about Victor Osimhen in recent performance, release clause workaround already planned

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Manchester United are evaluating options to replace Rasmus Hojlund in the starting line-up this summer.

With just two goals in 22 games this summer, there is an acceptance that the Danish number nine simply does not have the qualities needed to lead the line for a club like Manchester United.

Rasmus Hojlund has struggled, with his confidence plummeting in recent months to the point he cannot even control a ball. This form has sparked concern in Denmark around Hojlund and his form.

• READ: Who is Rasmus Hojlund? Inside the life of Manchester United’s dynamic Danish forward

Rio Ferdinand says Hojlund doesn’t suit Ruben Amorim’s style, and with a pretty big sample size, it seems clear this is the case – while the club are also in agreement judging by recent rumours.

United ideally want two strikers with one needing to bring a guarantee of goals, while the second could be a more unproven option such as Liam Delap.

• READ MORE: Who are INEOS? Exploring Man Utd co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s billion-pound business

Manchester United scouts were watching Victor Osimhen for one specific reason

In terms of the guaranteed goal scorer, United seem to be edging toward signing Victor Osimhen this summer, or his name-sake Viktor Gyokeres.

Now, United in Focus understands after speaking with Graeme Bailey, that Osimhen has been the target of scouting trips this season.

United have been watching Osimhen, United in Focus can confirm this through sources. However, the scouting trips have not been looking to see if the Nigerian is a good striker – this is something that everyone already knows.

Instead United have been keen to see how Osimhen is mentally and as a character during a recent away trip in Turkey. United in Focus understands Osimhen impressed United against a ‘proper English centre-half’ where the striker ‘really committed and gave it a good go’ in regards to battling physically.

Osimhen’s goal record of 20 in 26 speaks for itself, but his physical ability and mentality of not shying away from battles stand him in good stead to shine at United.

Manchester United have a plan to get around Victor Osimhen release clause

Osimhen is one of the world’s leading forwards, and with a £62m release clause at Napoli, it could be a luxury which United simply cannot afford.

However, United in Focus do understand that plans are being formulated by the club to get around the release clause, as Graeme explains.

“Osimhen has that release clause but United won’t have to pay it. They will have to pay the figure, maybe slightly more, but not the release clause it will be a deal spread out.

“I think there is a reasonable chance that could happen [Hojlund/Osimhen moves], but more like the Joao Felix and Conor Gallagher deals rather than a swap. Swap deals don’t quite work out well for PSR.”

United did similar with Joshua Zirkzee’s release clause last summer, paying slightly more to secure the payment structure which allowed the deal to be done.

One certain thing is that United will be doing their due diligence before signing a striker this summer, as it has to be the right addition.

“With United at the moment, signing an Osimhen would take up a massive part of the budget, so to do that you have to get it right. They really are doing their homework on Osimhen and also Gyokeres, anyone saying otherwise isn’t asking the right people.”