- Ex-Manchester United star Michael Owen spoke to Read Man Utd
- Premier League icon gave his verdict on Sesko
- The Englishman has doubts over him being the main man
Michael Owen has exclusively told Read Man Utd that he has doubts over Benjamin Sesko being the long-term number nine at Manchester United. The Slovenian striker has made a promising start at Old Trafford but has yet to claim a permanent starting role.
Sesko has become somewhat of a super-sub since the turn of the year, coming off the bench and scoring crucial goals for the Red Devils. That includes a winner in a 3-2 win over Fulham, a last-gasp equaliser against West Ham United and a winner in a 1-0 victory against Everton.
Manchester United paid £73m to sign Sesko from RB Leipzig, and they believe he will be leading the line for years to come. His height, strength, pace, agility and clinical finishing abilities have impressed.
Owen: I Want to See More
Owen made a name for himself by finding the back of the net throughout his career. He won the Ballon d’Or while at Liverpool before eventually ending up at United in the latter stages of his playing days.
The former England striker has liked what he’s seen from Sesko, but doesn’t believe he will be the solution for the Reds in the long run. He gave an interesting verdict of the Slovenian and how he’s found form since Michael Carrick replaced Ruben Amorim.
Speaking with Read ManUtd, Michael Owen, the official UK ambassador for Casino.org, a trusted comparison website highlighting the best online casinos for UK players, he said:
“Sesko has done really well in recent games and full credit to him. It’s come with the change in manager and that is no surprise as all the team are playing better. The players look very different to those under Amorim and whether it’s the set up, or the freedom to express themselves, the football is progressive, Man Utd are playing on the front foot now, scoring more, conceding less and showing a will to win and compete.”
Owen alluded to Sesko getting more opportunities in front of goal before casting doubts over his ability to be the main man for years to come:
“Sesko is getting more chances and taking them when he comes off the bench too. I like him, I don’t think he is the answer to Man Utd’s future, however he is definitely someone to be part of the future as he does have a lot of talent. I want to see more of him to determine what else he needs, but he has impressed.”
Manchester United have struggled to find a prolific frontman to rely on over the years. The arrivals of Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee in recent years failed to live up to expectations.
Sesko has made a fine start to his Old Trafford career and is still only 22. He has found the back of the net 10 times in 28 games across competitions, including nine in 26 league outings.
Carrick’s Stance on Sesko – Big Player
Sesko made an unconvincing start at United during the first half of the season, struggling to reach expectations. The likes of Gary Neville claimed that the jury was out on the former Leipzig striker despite the player only arriving in England last August.
When Carrick replaced Amorim, he initially preferred Bryan Mbeumo as a false nine, and Sesko settled for a place on the bench. But his incredible form earned him a starting role, in which he hasn’t made quite the same impact as he did when he entered the fray as a substitute.
Carrick highlighted the importance of giving Sesko time to adapt to the Premier League when questions were asked of his super sub role. He told reporters:
“Patience is important for him, waiting and developing as a player here. He understands that. He’s going to be a big player for us for a long period of time, I’m sure of that. We’ve got to manage that. We’ve got some top forward players. He’s made a big difference for us when he’s been on the pitch.”
Carrick, who Owen believes should be appointed on a full-time basis, has since rotated between Sesko and Mbeumo as the focal point of his attack. Should he stay, it seems he is eager to help the Slovenian reach his full potential at the Theatre of Dreams.
