Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand has taken a swipe at his old club’s recent transfer decisions, describing their failure to sign Victor Osimhen as a “huge mistake” amid United’s ongoing struggles in the Premier League.

Ferdinand’s comments followed Manchester United’s disappointing 1–1 draw away to Leeds United over the weekend, a result that further highlighted the club’s lack of cutting edge in attack. United had to come from behind after Brenden Aaronson gave Leeds the lead at Elland Road, before Matheus Cunha equalised — a goal that earned praise from manager Ruben Amorim.

Despite the late response, United’s form remains worrying. The Red Devils have now won just one of their last seven matches, sit three points off the Champions League places, and trail league leaders Arsenal by a massive 17 points.

Much of the frustration has centred on summer signing Benjamin Sesko, who arrived for £74 million but failed to make an impact against Leeds. The striker has now gone 11 games without a goal, managing only two goals in 17 appearances for the club.

Ferdinand believes United backed the wrong horse.

According to the former England international, the club should have prioritised the signing of Victor Osimhen last summer. United were among the clubs interested in the Nigerian striker but eventually pulled out before Osimhen completed a £65 million move to Galatasaray.

Osimhen has since justified his reputation, scoring 12 goals in 16 matches this season — numbers that have only intensified criticism of United’s transfer strategy.

Speaking on his YouTube channel after the Leeds draw, Ferdinand did not hold back. He also revisited another decision he feels continues to haunt the club: the sale of Danny Welbeck.

“I’ve said before they should never have sold Danny Welbeck,” Ferdinand said.

“I couldn’t believe we let him go. Now we’re seeing why I was so sure about that because he’s doing his own thing at Brighton.

“He’s scoring goals and you can count on him as a reliable player. But that ship has already left, it’s gone now. He’s too old, but we shouldn’t have let him go in the first place.”

Turning back to Osimhen, Ferdinand was equally emphatic.

“I still think we should have signed Victor Osimhen. I don’t want to keep talking about it, but we really should have signed him because there were no doubts or questions about it.

“It’s just pure experience with him. We aren’t passing the ball to Sesko enough, and that’s a major issue. He’s still developing and I believe he needs to handle the ball more.”

With pressure mounting, Amorim will be desperate for a response when Manchester United return to action on Wednesday night against Burnley at Turf Moor — a match that could prove crucial in steadying their faltering season.