Man Utd's Striker Dilemma: Watkins vs Sesko - Who Delivers the Perfect Solution?
Manchester United have observed Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool all securing new strikers during this summer window, yet they remain without a fresh centre forward addition themselves.
A total of £133.5 million has been invested in Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo as Ruben Amorim looks to address his team's offensive shortcomings, though it's hard to dispute United's requirement for a new striker in this transfer period given the disappointing performances of Rasmus Højlund and Joshua Zirkzee last campaign.
While securing Alexander Isak remains more fantasy than feasible, it seems that Aston Villa's Ollie Watkins and RB Leipzig's Benjamin Šeško represent the main objectives for the Red Devils. Both would certainly enhance United's forward line, though they would bring distinct qualities to Amorim's roster.
Therefore, which forward should United pursue this summer: Watkins or Šeško?
Age and Experience
United faces a choice between seeking an instant solution or a high-ceiling prospect for their striker concerns. Watkins would deliver the former for the struggling club, with the 29-year-old possessing extensive Premier League knowledge through his time at Aston Villa—plus Champions League exposure. The Red Devils would surely gain from acquiring a striker ready to contribute immediately without needing extended adaptation periods.
However, Watkins's maturity presents both advantages and drawbacks for United. Though he represents a proven solution to their issues, his age might concern Old Trafford executives. The England striker will reach 30 before the new year arrives, and the Red Devils may hesitate to invest heavily in a player whose peak years are approaching their end.
Šeško presents the contrasting challenge. At merely 22 years old—turning 23 only after the 2025–26 season concludes—he could theoretically lead United's attack for the next ten years. He possesses tremendous upside and already demonstrates elite performance levels, with his high potential making him a gamble that could prove transformational.
Nevertheless, similar to the previously mentioned underperformers Højlund and Zirkzee, the Slovenian would require adjustment time for Premier League football. His entire professional career has unfolded in Austria and Germany. While he might excel immediately at Old Trafford, instant success remains uncertain. Could United be adding another promising yet unrefined striker to their collection?
Goalscoring Returns
While Šeško lacks extensive experience, he's demonstrated his scoring ability. Twenty-nine goals across two campaigns with RB Salzburg secured the youngster's move to affiliated club Leipzig in 2023, where he's subsequently netted 39 times over two complete seasons in all competitions. Six of those efforts came in the Champions League, while the 6-foot-5 marksman has also recorded 16 goals in 41 appearances for Slovenia.
Šeško found the net home and away versus Bayern Munich last season, plus scored against Juventus, Borussia Dortmund, Atlético Madrid and Eintracht Frankfurt. He's no opportunist against weaker opposition and exceeded his expected goals figures in the Bundesliga despite Leipzig's disappointing seventh-place finish that cost them European qualification. His stature, physical prowess and thunderous right foot make him formidable when in full flow.
Watkins has maintained similar productivity over the past four seasons with Villa and benefits from consistent Premier League output. He's scored 61 league goals since the 2021–22 campaign began and has proven valuable as a provider with 29 assists during that timeframe. In contrast, Šeško has registered only 13 assists across all competitions over the past four years.
United largely understands what Watkins would deliver. The Villa striker's pace makes him an exceptional runner and he's perfected timing his runs beyond opposing defensive lines. He's a natural finisher in the penalty box and should help generate opportunities for his attacking teammates.
Price
Transfer fees could create obstacles in both negotiations. Watkins is anticipated to cost approximately £50-60 million despite his age, and Villa are unlikely to accept reduced offers given their determination to retain their key striker. Considering the funds already committed to Cunha and Mbeumo, the Red Devils must monitor their spending for the window's remainder, particularly as they struggle to generate income through player departures.
Watkins would represent an expensive acquisition for a relatively temporary fix. Šeško likely carries similar costs as Leipzig's valuation stands around £69 million, matching Hugo Ekitiké's initial Liverpool transfer fee.
Šeško provides the opportunity to not only appreciate in value but potentially prove exceptional value over future seasons.
Final Verdict
There's no question that either Watkins or Šeško would bring quality to a squad desperately needing stability. Both are likely to score prolifically at Old Trafford, particularly when incorporated into an enhanced attack featuring Cunha and Mbeumo.
Nevertheless, Šeško emerges as the more attractive No.9 option. Having received serious consideration from Arsenal before their Viktor Gyökeres acquisition, the Leipzig talent understandably captivates Europe's top clubs given his potential and physical gifts, with United reportedly expediting negotiations for the Slovenian to counter Newcastle United's interest.
Though Šeško isn't guaranteed success at United—no player is nowadays—he could become the clinical No.9 they've desperately sought during recent seasons.