Michael Owen warns Manchester United need striker beyond Sesko
Manchester United face a striking dilemma as former Red Devil Michael Owen says the club must secure a new forward, doubting that Benjamin Sesko can serve as the long‑term No. 9 after a mixed start to his £73 million tenure and questioning his suitability for crucial Champions League fixtures.
Benjamin Sesko (Picture: Getty) scored 12 goals in 32 appearances during his first season at Old Trafford after his £73m move from RB Leipzig last summer, quickly becoming United’s first‑choice centre‑forward.
The Slovenia international endured a poor first‑half to the campaign but showed improvement after Michael Carrick replaced Ruben Amorim in the United hot‑seat.
Owen doubts Carrick would trust Sesko to start a must‑win game next week and believes the club would like a ‘better option’ at their disposal.
Speaking to GOAL, Owen added: “Half the time he [Sesko] doesn’t even play and they do quite well anyway. Whether they push Matheus Cunha up front or Bryan Mbeumo or whoever, they’ve managed without him.”
Sesko (Picture: Getty) replied: “If it was the European Cup final next week, I’m not sure I would start. If they had another option, a better option, I’m sure they would take that. He’s grown into the role as well and will get more game time this season.”
Michael Carrick (Picture: Getty) said: “Do I see him as the long‑term Manchester United centre‑forward? I’d have my doubts.”
Carrick continued: “Attacking options, I wouldn’t say they’ve got loads of them, but they were quite good last year. The one thing they’ve got this season is a lot more games in the Champions League. I think Michael Carrick will be keen on getting a couple more players – it’s not just any old player, but it’s important to get numbers this time with the Champions League.”
Manchester United’s two main signings so far this summer have been Andrey Santos from Chelsea and Youri Tielemans from Aston Villa. The Red Devils have two more pre‑season friendlies before beginning their Premier League campaign against Hull City on August 22.
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