Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand has insisted that his former side have an easy decision to make with regard to which striker to pursue between Ollie Watkins and Benjamin Sesko.
United narrow down striker alternatives to two targets
United’s efforts to bolster their attacking department are set to continue despite the additions of Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo.
Ruben Amorim is keen on an out-and-out striker to lead the line for his side and the club have explored moves for a number of players, some of whom have already signed for other teams.
Earlier on Tuesday, a report covered by The Peoples Person claimed that United have narrowed their options down to just two names: Sesko and Watkins.
United have held talks with the representatives of both players. Much like Sesko, Watkins is believed to be keen on sealing a switch to the Red Devils.
There is however competition for Sesko’s signature, with Newcastle also aggressively pursuing him. Meanwhile, it appears that Amorim’s side have a free run at Watkins.
United are yet to settle on their top target, but according to Rio Ferdinand, Watkins is the clear standout, thanks to his Premier League experience.
Ferdinand weighs in on Sesko vs. Watkins debate
Speaking on the Rio Ferdinand Presents podcast, Ferdinand explained, “If you get Watkins, you’ve got guaranteed 15-20 goals really and then you’ve got that with Cunha and you’ve got that with Mbeumo. Not completely guaranteed, but you’ve got double figures all the way up front.”
“Bear in mind, we were 16th in terms of goals scored last season and these lot are getting you minimum 40 goals between them.”
Ferdinand pointed out that Rasmus Hojlund’s struggles since arriving from Atalanta have made him cautious about Sesko, questioning whether the Slovenian might face similar challenges adapting to the Premier League.
“The only difference is that Rasmus came in and had inexperience around him in terms of [Alejandro] Garnacho one side and Amad the other, for instance, most of the time. If Sesko comes in, he’s got two players that have played Premier League, scored goals in the Premier League and backed up by Bruno [Fernandes] so I think it’s a different dynamic that he comes into.”
The United legend continued, “But the uncertainty worries me a little bit. Can he adapt to this league?”
“I wanted a striker with experience so he wouldn’t be my first choice, obviously, even now.”
“But if Manchester United buy him and Newcastle go and get a number nine, does that mean [Alexander] Isak stays at Newcastle and Liverpool don’t get Isak? ‘Liverpool’s transfer window has been nothing short of exceptional so far.”
United return to pre-season action in the early hours of Thursday morning when they face Bournemouth in Chicago. Kick-off is at 2:30 am.
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Derick Kinoti
Derick Kinoti is a football writer at The Peoples Person who has covered Manchester United and the game extensively for many years. He is a keen analyst with expertise in SEO and journalism standards. Derick is convinced Wayne Rooney is the true GOAT and won’t hear otherwise!
