Michael Owen has cast doubt on Benjamin Sesko's long-term future as Manchester United's main striker, suggesting the club would seek a better option if available.
Mixed Debut Season
Sesko scored 12 goals in 32 appearances in his first season at Old Trafford following his £73m move from RB Leipzig. The Slovenia international struggled early on but improved after Michael Carrick replaced Ruben Amorim as manager.
Despite his progress, Owen is not convinced Sesko would be trusted to start a must-win game. Speaking to GOAL, the former England striker said: 'Well, a lot of the time, half the time he [Sesko] doesn't even play and they do quite well anyway.'
Owen's Assessment
'Whether they push [Matheus] Cunha up front or [Bryan] Mbeumo or whoever, they've managed without him,' Owen added. 'Even though he's the only out and out centre forward, if it was the European Cup final next week, then I'm not sure he would start. If they had another option, a better option, I'm sure they would take that.'
Owen acknowledged Sesko's improvement, saying: 'He has surprised a few. He wasn't that convincing right at the start, but it's not easy to be convincing in the Manchester United team over the last decade or so. Obviously, in the second half of the season, Manchester United are playing really, really well. He's grown into the role as well. You'd definitely say he's going to get more game time this season and see how he does. Do I see him as the long-term Manchester United centre forward? I'd have my doubts.'
Champions League Concerns
Owen also highlighted the need for squad depth with Champions League football returning. 'Attacking options, I wouldn't say they've got loads of them, but they were quite good for them last year,' he said. 'The one thing they've got this season, obviously, is a lot more games in the Champions League. They're going to have to manage that. You're always wanting to improve numbers as well as quality.'
'I think Michael Carrick will be keen on getting a couple more players. It's not just any old player, but I do think it's important to get numbers this time with the Champions League. That's going to be the one thing that could trip them up, is the amount of games they're going to have to play.'
Manchester United's main summer signings so far are Andrey Santos from Chelsea and Youri Tielemans from Aston Villa. The Red Devils have two more pre-season friendlies before starting their Premier League campaign against Hull City on August 22.
