LONDON, United Kingdom, Jul 29 – Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins and RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko are on the prime of Manchester United’s checklist of strikers in the event that they determine to usher in additional reinforcements through the present switch window.
There is an acceptance amongst United’s hierarchy that they should begin off-loading a few of their undesirable gamers – which could not occur till nearer the 1 September deadline – with the intention to fund a brand new arrival.
Neither participant can be simple to deliver to Old Trafford.
Newcastle, who’ve missed out on numerous key targets this summer season and still have uncertainty over their very own star ahead Alexander Isak, are recognized to be eager on Slovenian Sesko.
The 22-year-old scored 13 objectives in 33 Bundesliga appearances final season,
Villa have made it recognized they aren’t involved in promoting England worldwide Watkins.
However, United really feel that stance would possibly change nearer to the deadline, though they imagine a advised £60m price ticket can be far too excessive for 29-year-old Watkins, whose contract at Villa Park runs to 2028.
At current, Rasmus Hojlund, who struggled final season scoring simply 10 objectives in 52 video games, is Ruben Amorim’s first-choice centre-forward.
Amorim praised the Dane for his efficiency in Saturday’s 2-1 win over West Ham on the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey and the £72m man did effectively to make use of his tempo and energy to create a possibility for himself which struck the skin of a put up.
However, he has but to attain in two pre-season appearances and one missed first-half probability particularly drew a annoyed response from his boss.
United have thus far signed three gamers this summer season, spending virtually £130m on attacking duo Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo, who may additionally play as a central striker however are thought extra prone to occupy Amorim’s most well-liked two quantity 10 slots, and teenage defender Diego Leon.
Amorim spoke on Friday about his present choice to signal gamers with information of the Premier League.
Rashford joined Barcelona final week, whereas United’s different undesirable gamers Alejandro Garnacho, Antony, Jadon Sancho and Tyrrell Malacia have been disregarded of the workforce’s tour of the US.
Last week, Amorim stated the membership wouldn’t promote the gamers on a budget and would welcome them again into the fold if obligatory.
How do Watkins and Sesko examine to Hojlund?
While Hojlund scored simply 4 objectives in 32 Premier League video games final season and has but to seek out the web this pre-season, each Sesko and Watkins posted a lot more healthy 2024-25 figures. Sesko scored 13 in 33 top-fight appearances for RB Leipzig and Watkins hit 16 in 38 for Aston Villa.
When Hojlund signed for United in the summertime of 2023, then-manager Erik ten Hag described him as “an actual frontman” however each Watkins and Sesko provide extra all-round attributes.
Watkins has a wonderful help report whereas there may be extra to 6ft 5in Sesko than only a traditional quantity 9.
He can also be quick, snug receiving the ball to toes together with his again to purpose or hanging on the shoulder of the final defender and racing on to a by means of ball, and he can rating objectives of every kind from all kinds of distances. He has outperformed Watkins and Hojlund on a number of key metrics thus far in his elite-level profession.
If Amorim is searching for a participant who gives a focus and may compete in aerial duels, Sesko can also be in all probability a greater match than Watkins, who’s six inches shorter than the Slovenian, and whose recreation is extra about motion and runs into area.
Leipzig are believed to have put an £87m price ticket on 22-year-old Sesko, with Newcastle additionally within the ahead.
