Victor Osimhen 'had too much respect for Ighalo' that's why he didn't join Man United - Brother

Napoli Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen. Photo: Danilo Di Giovanni/Getty Images

The brother of Victor Osimhen has claimed that his sibling turned down the chance to join Manchester United this summer as he did not want to compete with Odion Ighalo for a starting role at the club.

United thought to be one of a number of English clubs interested in a move.

The 21-year-old ultimately completed a switch to Napoli at the end of July, but according to his brother, United wanted to bring the Nigeria international to Old Trafford.

"It is very true that Manchester United wanted Victor but he told me something like he had too much respect for Odion Ighalo to be competing for shirts with his senior colleague," Andrew Osimhen told Complete Sports.

Victor Osimhen celebrates goal with teammates during the friendly between Napoli and Teramo. Photo: Danilo Di Giovanni/Getty Images

"My brother holds Ighalo in high esteem and he just didn't see himself going to Old Trafford to battle for a striking role with the highest goal-scorer at the 2019 AFCON in Egypt."

Ighalo's loan deal at United from Shanghai Shenhua is due to run until January 2021. SportsMole