Man Utd Legend Delivers Blunt Assessment of Potential Benjamin Sesko Transfer
Manchester United icon Wayne Rooney has lauded the club's newest acquisition, Benjamin Šeško, as the Slovenian striker gets ready to deliver an instant contribution in attack under manager Ruben Amorim.
Šeško emerged as one of the most sought-after talents during the summer window, attracting interest from numerous clubs. Following an unsuccessful move to Arsenal, both Newcastle United and Manchester United competed fiercely for his services. The Red Devils ultimately secured the deal and unveiled the 22-year-old forward to supporters at Old Trafford before their concluding pre-season match against Fiorentina last Saturday.
Rooney, a club icon and arguably United's last prolific striker, is confident that Šeško will add significant value to a team that endured difficulties last campaign, finishing in 15th position.
"You'd hope so," Rooney commented on BBC Sport. "I think it was very much needed. It's great that they've identified the players they wanted quite early. Obviously they've got [Matheus] Cunha in, [Bryan] Mbeumo in. I think getting Šeško is a really important talent. I think as a target man No. 9, he's quick, can use both feet and good in the air. I think that's a very important talent for Manchester United."
Rooney continued by emphasizing the squad's ongoing requirement for a midfielder, though some remain skeptical about what Šeško, who remains youthful and developing, can deliver this campaign.
"That's the big question. This is the third No. 9 in three summers. In terms of stability, this is not good because you've got it wrong twice already. This one has to work, really. He's great, he's young, he's never scored more than 13 league goals a season, though," journalist and broadcaster Julien Laurens responded regarding Šeško's potential contribution this season.
Since the latter stages of Rooney's career and following his 2017 departure from the club, the striker role has become an unstable position for the Red Devils.
During the previous campaign, Rasmus Højlund and Joshua Zirkzee were unable to establish themselves in that role. Prior to them, players such as Wout Weghorst, Anthony Martial, Odion Ighalo, Edinson Cavani and the much-publicized return of Cristiano Ronaldo were considered disappointing or incomplete acquisitions in various ways.
Amorim emphasized during United's match against Fiorentina that the squad lacked effectiveness without a proper striker to build play around, an issue the Portuguese manager now aims to address with Šeško's arrival.
United kick off their Premier League campaign on Sunday with a home fixture against Arsenal, a match highlighted as a direct comparison between Šeško and new Gunners striker Viktor Gyökeres.