Former Sir Alex Ferguson assistant Rene Meulensteen raises concerns over Manchester United’s transfer strategy, suggesting Ollie Watkins might be the smarter signing.
What Happened?
Manchester United’s pursuit of RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko is nearing completion, with the Slovenia international reportedly preferring a move to Old Trafford over Newcastle United. However, the Red Devils have been warned they may be repeating the same mistake they made with Rasmus Hojlund last season.
Sesko is expected to bring much-needed firepower to United’s attack after a lackluster campaign last year, with Hojlund struggling to deliver consistent results. But while Sesko undoubtedly possesses potential, former Manchester United coach Rene Meulensteen believes the club might be better off targeting Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins, who is also believed to be interested in a move to Old Trafford.
What Meulensteen Said
Meulensteen, who served as Sir Alex Ferguson’s assistant, explained to Poker Strategy that Manchester United’s pursuit of Sesko mirrors their approach to Hojlund, where they may be investing heavily in a young, unproven talent. “If he scores in the first three or four games and hits the ground running, he could be the answer for the club, but there’s a chance that won’t happen,” said Meulensteen.
He continued, “Sesko’s potential is undeniable, but he still needs time to adapt to the Premier League, and we saw how Hojlund struggled last season. I look at Ollie Watkins, who has proven Premier League experience. He’s a hard-working player with similar attributes to Sesko but without the adaptation period required. Plus, Watkins might come at a more reasonable price.”
The Bigger Picture
While Sesko has been a target for several clubs, his €100m+ price tag has been a point of concern for some. In contrast, Watkins, with his solid Premier League experience, could offer immediate returns without the need for adaptation. Watkins also offers versatility, with the ability to lead the line or play off a central striker, making him a more plug-and-play option for a team like United.
What’s Next for Sesko and United?
Manchester United are closing in on completing the Sesko deal, and the club hopes to have the transfer tied up ahead of their Premier League opener against Arsenal on August 17. However, with concerns over his readiness for the Premier League, the final verdict on whether Sesko can adapt quickly will be a key storyline for United this season.
