Manchester United finds themselves at a crossroads looking for a new striker once again.
The Red Devils eventually secured Benjamin Sesco from RB Leipzig in a deal worth up to £73 million, but the decision to bypass Premier League advance Ollie Watkins was not well-behaved with some, including the club’s legendary Nicky Batt.
Speaking to BetMgm, as Metro reported, Butt expressed concern about leaving Old Trafford’s impressive duties to younger talents without a top flight experience.
“I know (Matheus) Cunha has done really well over the last few seasons, but I really want an experienced striker.”
“I hope I’m wrong, but I really hope they haven’t made the same mistakes as Rasmus (Hojlund) (Benjamin) Sesko.”
“We’re coming in young players who have no experience in the Premier League. It feels like history is repeating itself.”
“To be honest, it’s costly, so I’d go and bring someone like Ollie Watkins, someone who helps out young strikers and pulls away.”
“When young players are just coming to the club, when they’re scoring goals, if they have some bad games, they have to have a safety net that will be pulled out of the shooting line.”
“Ollie Watkins, or someone like that, would be the one I was trying to bring.”
Should Man United sign Ollie Watkins?
Batt claimed that Watkins provided a “safety net” to the younger United attackers.
That’s a fair point. The 29-year-old Watkins boasts a consistent Premier League record that scored 16 goals and provided eight assists in the 2024/25 season alone.
Sesko is seen as an intriguing upside down long-term investment. At just 22 years old, he brought an impressive record. Leipzig’s 87 games were 39 goals, 21 of which were last season.
Building around movement and fluid attack patterns, Amorim’s system can leverage Sesco’s aviation capabilities and pace, and while Watkins certainly offers it, it has fewer developmental benefits.
Watkins offers reliable and proven performance, ready-made contributors seasoned with the Red Devils Forward line. On the other hand, Sesko brings youthful projections and high ceilings.
There will be time to see if United’s bold gambling will pay off.
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