Aiming at Sesko, Rio Ferdinand poured cold water on MU

The summer transfer window is always the period when Man United is most closely scrutinized, not only because of the team's history and stature but also because of a series of disappointing results in recent years.

Benjamin Sesko, 22 years old, is one of the most sought-after strikers in Europe.

After a disastrous 2024/25 season in which they finished 15th – their worst Premier League finish in history – all their player purchases are under the microscope. In that context, legend Rio Ferdinand has advised his former club to avoid pursuing RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko, while suggesting a wiser investment option.

Sesko - great talent but high risk

Benjamin Sesko, 22 years old, is one of the most sought-after strikers in Europe. With an ideal physique (1.95m), diverse pressing and finishing abilities, Sesko has the appearance of a modern striker.

However, Ferdinand was skeptical: “Man United have too many young and inexperienced players in attack. Hojlund, Zirkzee, Chido - all are not real number 9 models for the whole team to rely on.”

Last season, Hojlund and Zirkzee scored just seven goals in the Premier League, a number too few for a club with ambitions of finishing in the top four. However, Ferdinand believes that signing Sesko - who has no experience in the Premier League - would be a dangerous gamble, especially when the expected fee is not cheap.

“They need a striker who has proven himself at a high level, not just another potential player,” he stressed.

This summer transfer window, Man United spent £62.5 million on Matheus Cunha and £71 million on Bryan Mbeumo. However, neither of these players are true strikers, and Ruben Amorim still needs a classy No. 9 to lead the scoring.

Sesko is considered the ideal choice for many, but Ferdinand argued: "Man United must focus on the present. An experienced striker is what they need rather than risking someone who has never played in England."

Rio Ferdinand believes MU should not waste money on Sesko.

One of the names suggested by Ferdinand is Ollie Watkins (Aston Villa). The 29-year-old striker has affirmed his class in the Premier League with his speed, ability to choose position and a stable scoring record.

In the 2024/25 season, Watkins contributed 19 goals and 10 assists, helping Villa qualify for the Champions League. “Watkins is exactly the type of No. 9 that Man United needs - both experienced and able to influence big games,” said Ferdinand.

More surprisingly, Rio Ferdinand also advised Man United to switch to midfield if they cannot find a reliable striker. The name he chose was Carlos Baleba of Brighton - a midfield "beast" who is only 21 years old but has experience fighting in the Premier League.

Joining Brighton from Lille for around £26m in 2023, Baleba played 34 games last season, impressing with his ability to intercept, challenge and escape strong pressing.

“Baleba is the type of midfielder that Ruben Amorim likes: strong, intelligent, with a lot of energy. If I had to choose between an inexperienced No. 9 and a midfielder like Baleba, I would choose Baleba – without hesitation,” Ferdinand affirmed.

He believes that Baleba not only adds steel to the midfield but also helps attacking stars like Bruno Fernandes or Mason Mount reduce the defensive burden, thereby allowing them to be more creative.

Smart strategy or keep throwing money around?

Ferdinand’s comments are not just personal but also raise a big question about Man United’s transfer strategy. In the post-Sir Alex Ferguson era, the “Red Devils” often fall into a vicious cycle: buying without planning, prioritizing reputation over suitability, and as a result, spending hundreds of millions of pounds but still achieving stagnant results.

Sesko is very expensive.

Sesko may be a rough diamond, but does Old Trafford have the patience and time to polish him again, when the team needs immediate results?

From a practical perspective, Ferdinand is right. Man United need players who can “play right away”, not a long-term project.

Ollie Watkins is a good option if the club wants to upgrade their attack, while a signing like Carlos Baleba could help rebuild the style of play from the ground up, bringing the balance the team has long lacked.

With the transfer window still open, Man United still have time to make a wise decision. Sesko is an attractive name, but if the “Red Devils” do not want to continue to make the same mistake, they need to consider carefully: choose a young talent, or a solid one to immediately change the face of the team?

Source: https://znews.vn/nham-sesko-rio-ferdinand-doi-gao-nuoc-lanh-vao-mu-post1571781.html