Former Manchester United midfielder Nicky Butt has publicly urged the club to consider replacing their £74 million striker Benjamin Sesko, while naming two 'dream' signings that could transform the Red Devils' fortunes. Butt's comments come amid ongoing scrutiny of Sesko's performances since his high-profile move from RB Leipzig last summer.
Sesko's Mixed Start at Old Trafford
Benjamin Sesko endured a challenging beginning to his Manchester United career, managing just two goals during the first half of the season. The Slovenia international's struggles coincided with a turbulent period for the club, but his form has shown significant improvement since Ruben Amorim's departure in January.
In his last thirteen appearances, Sesko has found the net eight times, demonstrating the potential that prompted United's substantial investment. Despite this recent upturn, Butt remains unconvinced about Sesko's long-term suitability for a club of Manchester United's stature.
Butt's Assessment of Sesko's Role
Speaking on The Good, The Bad & The Football podcast, Butt offered a nuanced evaluation of Sesko's contributions. "I think Sesko will be alright but that's not enough for United," Butt stated. "I think he will do okay and is a good support act, but he's the only out and out forward there."
This characterization of Sesko as a "support act" rather than a leading striker reflects broader concerns about whether the 22-year-old can shoulder the expectations that come with wearing the number nine shirt at Old Trafford.
Butt's Dream Transfer Targets Revealed
When asked which Premier League players he would most like to see Manchester United sign, Butt did not hesitate with his first choice. "I can't believe I'm saying this but Erling Haaland," the former United star revealed. "He's just always a goal threat, he can do nothing for 89 minutes and then pop up and score a goal."
Butt's second selection was England midfielder Declan Rice, envisioning a midfield partnership that could dominate the Premier League. "If I could have two I would have a midfielder as well and go with Declan Rice," Butt explained. "I remember talking about Rice when Scott McTominay was still here and I said if you had Rice and McTominay, with Bruno ahead of them, then that's your ultimate midfield."
Financial Considerations and Club Ambition
Butt emphasized that Manchester United's commercial power should enable them to pursue elite talent. "That was the kind of target United should have been looking at because they're still huge commercially and can afford to pay big wages," he argued. "That's what they should have been looking at and thinking out of the box."
The former midfielder invoked the club's historical approach to recruitment under Sir Alex Ferguson, noting, "If you look back at the heyday of Man United and even the backend of Fergie's reign, United would always go and get the best player in the Premier League."
Michael Owen Echoes Concerns About Sesko
Butt is not alone in questioning Sesko's long-term prospects at Manchester United. Former Red Devils striker Michael Owen has similarly advised the club to consider upgrading their attacking options. "To me, he's not the answer long-term," Owen told casino.org. "He's not the Manchester United centre-forward forever and ever."
Owen acknowledged Sesko's recent improvement but maintained reservations about his ability to lead the line for a title-challenging side. "He's an expensive player who can get better and be a nice part of their squad, but equally, if United are playing in their biggest game of the season tomorrow, I don't think he starts," Owen stated.
Current Form and Upcoming Challenges
Despite his improved performances since January, Sesko has failed to score in his last three matches, highlighting the inconsistency that has characterized his debut season. The striker will be hoping to return to scoring ways when Manchester United face Brentford on Monday night.
As the summer transfer window approaches, the debate surrounding Sesko's future intensifies. While his recent goal-scoring form has provided encouragement, the assessments from respected former players like Butt and Owen suggest Manchester United may need to consider significant investment in their attacking department if they are to return to competing for major honors.
The coming months will reveal whether Manchester United's hierarchy shares these concerns about their £74 million signing, or whether they believe Sesko can develop into the world-class striker the club requires to challenge at the highest level.
