Michael Owen Doubts Benjamin Sesko Is Long-Term Solution for Manchester United

Benjamin Sesko enters the 2026/2027 season facing renewed questions over his long-term role at Manchester United, as former Premier League forward Michael Owen voices doubts about whether the signing is the definitive answer to the club’s number nine position ahead of their Champions League return.

Manchester United’s attack approaches the new campaign with familiar questions hanging over the center-forward position.

Rather than establishing an undisputed grip on the line, the Slovenian forward is vying with Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo to lead the attack. The impending addition of Marcus Rashford further complicates the forward rotation, leaving open the question of who will occupy the central slot in the Premier League each week.

Michael Owen Questions Sesko’s Long-Term Suitability

Speaking as an ambassador for Casino.org in an interview with Goal.com, former Red Devils forward Michael Owen laid out his reservations about the club’s striking options and Sesko’s status.

“Well, a lot of the time, half the time he [Sesko] doesn’t even play and they do quite well anyway. Whether they push Cunha up front or Mbeumo or whoever, they’ve managed without him. Even though he’s the only out and out centre forward, if it was the European Cup final next week, then I’m not sure he would start. If they had another option, a better option, I’m sure they would take that.”

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Michael Owen, via Goal.com

Owen noted that while the team found ways to win without a traditional focal point, Sesko had nevertheless managed to surprise some observers after a slow start to his maiden campaign at Old Trafford.

Progress Under Michael Carrick

Sesko’s first season in Manchester brought goals following his move, reflecting a difficult introductory period in English football. Yet his trajectory shifted visibly following managerial changes at the club.

Under Michael Carrick, who took the reins in January, the young striker produced his most prolific stretch of form. In just 595 minutes under Carrick, Sesko notched seven goals across 13 appearances, though only six of those outings came as starts.

“However, he has surprised a few. He wasn’t that convincing right at the start, but it’s not easy to be convincing in the Manchester United team over the last decade or so. Obviously, in the second half of the season, Manchester United are playing really, really well. He’s grown into the role as well. You’d definitely say he’s going to get more game time this season and see how he does. Do I see him as the long-term Manchester United centre forward? I’d have my doubts.”

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Michael Owen, via Goal.com

Injury Interruption and Pre-Season Absence

Momentum from Sesko’s strong finish to the campaign was cut short by physical trouble. A shin injury, initially sustained earlier, was re-aggravated during a home victory against Liverpool on May 3—a match in which he managed to score.

Benjamin Sesko Manchester United 2025-26 — Photo: Goal.com

That setback forced him to sit out the final three fixtures of the domestic schedule. As the squad prepares for the new season, he has yet to feature in pre-season friendlies, leaving his match sharpness as a variable heading into August.

Unresolved Options in the Transfer Market

Despite returning to the Champions League stage, Manchester United have yet to secure another established out-and-out striker to challenge Sesko or share the burden in the final third.