Manchester United scouted Napoli striker Victor Osimhen during the 2022-23 season, but concerns were raised over his ability to hold the ball up, according to ESPN.
The Nigerian international ended up bagging 31 goals in 39 games that season, helping his club win the Serie A title.
However, the Red Devils doubted whether the Italian top-flight was a strong enough league to truly measure his ability.
Man United cited the prolific form of Romelu Lukaku at Inter Milan (who then struggled upon returning to the Premier League with Chelsea) as a reason to be sceptical of the real quality of Osimhen.
Their doubts over the quality of Serie A did not stop them from splashing £72 million to acquire the services of Rasmus Hojlund from Atalanta.
The Old Trafford club also signed Joshua Zirkzee from Bologna in the last summer transfer window but had considered a move for England international striker Ivan Toney.
However, Man United ruled out a move for the former Brentford star because he did not fit into the profile manager Erik Ten Hag wanted in a striker.
While Toney boasted an impressive strike-rate, the Red Devils felt he did not press defenders energetically enough, deciding to sign Zirkzee instead.
Hojlund ended his debut campaign in England with 16 goals in 43 games while his Netherlands international counterpart has a goal in six appearances so far this term.
The duo fit into the pattern of Ten Hag and play in a way the Dutchman wants his strikers to play, but whether they have what it takes to lead Man United to their first Premier League title since 2013 remains to be seen.
Manchester City striker Erling Braut Haaland has 100 goals in 105 games for the Etihad Stadium club, and the Red Devils may need to sign a similar prolific hitman if they are serious about challenging for major silverware.
