Michael Owen Issues Frank Assessment on Manchester United's Striker Situation
Former England striker Michael Owen has delivered a candid verdict on Manchester United's attacking options, asserting that Benjamin Sesko is not the definitive answer for the club's long-term ambitions. Despite Sesko's recent upturn in form, Owen remains sceptical about his capacity to lead the line in a title-chasing team.
Sesko's Mixed Fortunes at Old Trafford
Benjamin Sesko joined Manchester United in a high-profile £74 million transfer last summer, part of a squad overhaul under then-manager Ruben Amorim that also included signings like Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha. Initially, the 22-year-old struggled to make an impact, netting only two Premier League goals during Amorim's tenure.
However, since Michael Carrick took charge at Old Trafford, Sesko has experienced a remarkable resurgence. He has scored seven goals in ten matches since the start of the year, showcasing improved confidence and finishing ability. Despite this, he has often been utilised from the substitutes' bench, indicating that Carrick may still view him as a rotational option rather than a guaranteed starter.
Owen's Unwavering Doubts on Sesko's Credentials
In an exclusive interview with Mirror Football, Owen, who serves as the official UK ambassador for Casino.org, expressed his reservations about Sesko's ability to spearhead United's attack in crucial fixtures. "To me, he's not the answer long term. He's not like a Manchester United centre forward forever and ever," Owen stated bluntly.
He elaborated further, suggesting that while Sesko has shown progress, he falls short of the elite standard required for a club with United's aspirations. "If Manchester United are playing in the biggest game of the season tomorrow, I don't think he starts and if Manchester United want to get back to where they feel they belong and challenge for the title, I don't think he's the forward that you go into the season with all your hopes pinned on."
The Call for an Upgrade in Attack
Owen acknowledged Sesko's recent contributions and Carrick's role in revitalising his form, but insisted that United must eventually seek a superior striker to mount a serious title challenge. "I think there's an upgrade in there, somewhere along the line, in the next year or two or whatever, whenever somebody becomes available," he remarked.
He tempered his criticism by noting Sesko's value as a squad player, capable of scoring important goals. "It's great that he's doing well, it's great that he can be an influence on the team and the squad and score important goals. I'm not saying, 'oh yeah, everything's great now and he's now going to shoot them to the league title'. He's improved him, he's gotten confident again, he's now an asset to the team, all of a sudden, but there's still a long way to go."
Fitness Concerns and Upcoming Fixtures
Currently, Sesko is managing a minor injury that led to his withdrawal from Slovenia's international fixtures against Hungary and Montenegro. Similarly, Bryan Mbeumo has pulled out of Cameroon's camp, but both players are expected to recover in time for United's next Premier League match against Leeds on Monday, April 13.
With a three-week break before that encounter due to the international interval, Sesko and Mbeumo have ample opportunity to regain full fitness. This period could be crucial for Sesko to continue proving his worth and potentially alter perceptions about his long-term role at the club.
As Manchester United aim to climb the Premier League table, the debate over Sesko's suitability as their leading striker is likely to persist, especially with pundits like Owen advocating for a more proven talent to fulfil the club's lofty ambitions.
