Michael Owen has cast doubt on Benjamin Sesko's long-term future as Manchester United's first-choice striker, suggesting the club should seek a 'better option' despite the Slovenian's 12 goals in 32 appearances last season.
Owen's Verdict on Sesko's First Season
Sesko, who joined from RB Leipzig for £73m last summer, endured a slow start but improved under Michael Carrick, who replaced Ruben Amorim mid-season. However, Owen, a former England striker, remains unconvinced.
Speaking to GOAL, Owen said: 'Well, a lot of the time, half the time he 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.'
Owen Questions Sesko's Big-Game Credentials
'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 added.
He acknowledged Sesko's improvement: 'However, 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.'
Owen's Doubts on Long-Term Future
'Do I see him as the long-term Manchester United centre forward? I'd have my doubts,' Owen stated. He also highlighted the need for more attacking depth ahead of a Champions League campaign.
'Attacking options, I wouldn't say they've got loads of them, but they were quite good for them last year. 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,' Owen said.
Carrick's Transfer Plans and United's Summer Business
Owen believes Carrick will want reinforcements: '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 have so far signed Andrey Santos from Chelsea and Youri Tielemans from Aston Villa this summer. The Red Devils have two more pre-season friendlies before their Premier League opener against Hull City on August 22.
