Published Aug 17, 2026, 6:10 AM GMT+1

The Red Devils faithful have often had to watch rivals Manchester City and Liverpool claim all of the glory, which has seen the run without a league title extend to 13 years.

Michael Carrick will no doubt be hoping to be the man to end the supporters’ unthinkable wait for glory, with INEOS backing him with a new two-year contract during the summer.

However, if he is to get anywhere near the summit of England’s top-flight, he will desperately need a player of Erling Haaland’s ilk to provide the goods within attacking areas.

Why Man Utd need a talisman like Erling Haaland

Part of City’s ability to claim continuous success in the Premier League is down to the remarkable goalscoring ability of Haaland over the last few seasons.

The Norwegian has netted a staggering 162 goals in his 198 appearances for the Citizens, subsequently winning the league’s golden boot in three of the last four years.

He’s netted 20+ goals in each of the aforementioned campaigns, with no player able to achieve such a feat for the Red Devils during the same period.

Benjamin Sesko, Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha were the club’s big-money additions 12 months ago, as INEOS looked to bring the fear factor back into the senior ranks.

Whilst all three managed to achieve double figures for goals in England’s top-flight, their tally of 32 combined efforts was just five more than Haaland’s personal tally.

Such a statistic puts into perspective how clinical the Norwegian has been in recent years and highlights United’s need for added reinforcements in such an area.

The aforementioned talents have popped up with the goods in spells, but if the Red Devils are to mount a serious title charge - they need their own elite-level talisman.

How Man United can land their answer to Haaland this summer

Despite the heavy spending last summer, INEOS feel as though they need added options in forward areas - which has seen numerous players being linked with a move to Old Trafford.

Igor Thiago is a player who has been mentioned as a possible target for the Red Devils, but Brentford’s reluctance to sell could make a move near impossible this summer.

However, he’s not the only player currently on the club’s shortlist at present, with Galatasaray star Victor Osimhen another option being considered.

FootballFanCast sources exclusively revealed on Sunday that Carrick’s side have already explored the conditions of a possible move for the Nigerian international before the window closes.

The player himself is also said to be open to the possibility of a move to the Premier League, which could hand the Red Devils a boost in their ongoing pursuit.

It’s previously been reported that the Turkish side want to keep hold of the 27-year-old attacker, but could green light a sale if an offer of £60m is presented.

The player’s willingness to make a move to England this summer will be music of the ears to INEOS, with the striker able to offer a clinical option to Carrick in forward areas.

His stats from recent seasons showcase his incredible ability in attacking areas and highlight why he can be the Red Devils’ answer to the deadly Haaland.

In the words of fellow Nigerian hero Jay-Jay Okocha, "Osimhen is in the same bracket as Mbappe, Haaland and Kane" and it is easy to see why. He has netted 20+ goals in three of the last four seasons, including 37 in just 41 matches for the Turkish outfit during the title-winning campaign of 2024/25.

United supporters may raise concerns about the quality of opposition in such a division, but the Nigerian’s goalscoring ability has been evident in Europe throughout recent seasons too.

He netted seven times in just 10 games in the Champions League last campaign - emulating Haaland in being able to deliver the goods domestically and continentally.

In the Champions League, Osimhen registered 2.7 shots on target per 90 - at an accuracy rate of 60% - with both figures placing him above 90% of players in the competition.

Such numbers, coupled with his recent goal tallies, showcase his relentless ability within attacking areas - which has seen him become one of Europe’s most feared attackers.

At 27, he’s coming into the prime years of his career, which could see United land a player who can certainly fire the club closer to the summit of the Premier League.

£60m could prove to be an excellent deal for the Red Devils, especially if he can emulate Haaland’s incredible efforts in England’s top-flight upon any transfer.