With Benjamin Sesko, Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo in the mix, some might imagine Manchester United have finally assembled their dream attack. It could not get much better than this.
However, former United striker Louis Saha disagrees.
Saha is frustrated that the Red Devils have, in recent years, continued to make the same mistake with their attack, and he believes they have repeated it with Sesko. In his view, it is holding them back.
Sesko and what United’s attack really needs
Speaking via The Athletic, Saha argued:
“The problems identified over the last three or four years (at United) is having the responsibility as a number nine or as a forward when you’re young. You’re still learning, you’re making mistakes.
“You don’t know how to connect with the players as much as maybe Bruno Fernandes, as much as (Zlatan) Ibrahimovic before, or players like Andy Cole.
“There was a combination at Man United: a young player with a lot of talent, who’s going to disrupt and bring unpredictability, but at the same time, you had experience that was very valuable and could pass on information.
“This is not the case in the last three or four years. So it’s been a really big mistake, and I think they’ve done it again.”
Saha’s argument holds weight for some. But some would argue it is far too early to judge this refreshed United front line.
Too early to judge Sesko and United’s new attack
Yes, the resemblance between Sesko and Hojlund is hard to ignore. Both were signed young, both seen as answers to United’s striking struggles.
However, it is unfair to suggest that the Slovenian international will follow the same trajectory as his predecessor.
Before signing Sesko, United had already laid the groundwork for him to thrive, having already landed two proven Premier League playmakers.
Cunha and Mbeumo, Premier League-proven and operating as dual number 10s, are expected to bring experience to United’s attack, a quality that Sesko is accused of lacking.
Hojlund’s biggest undoing was playing in a dysfunctional attack. He was starved of service. He ended up losing his way.
United’s attack looks sharper than ever
This new-look United attack already looks like trouble. Three league games in, United boast the highest xG (6.78) in the league and are creating more chances than any other side. The issue is that they have lacked a clinical edge in front of the goal.
That cutting edge is exactly what Sesko is expected to bring. He is yet to be fully unleashed by Amorim, making only cameo appearances in the league so far.
The feeling is he is not quite ready, and he has admitted as much, but he has also hinted, via a report relayed by The Peoples Person, that his best is coming soon.
Welbeck links
If United still feel the need to inject more experience into the squad, they already know who to call. Reports suggest that a potential return to Old Trafford for Danny Welbeck has been discussed.
Featured image Molly Darlington via Getty Images
Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social
Daniel Onguko
Since Dan was introduced to Manchester United in 2008, he has lived and breathed the club. What started as being a fan evolved into writing about United, allowing him to feel part of their journey. Hopefully, his work might even help rekindle your love for the kings of Manchester.
