Benjamin Sesko may have finally found his rhythm at Manchester United, but former Red Devils striker Michael Owen has raised a major question: is the Slovenian forward truly the long-term No.9 United need?
After a difficult start at Old Trafford, Sesko transformed his fortunes during the second half of the 2025-26 campaign, emerging as a dangerous “super sub”. But with United heading back into the Champions League, the debate over whether they need another established striker is far from over.
Key Highlights
- Benjamin Sesko took seven games to score his first Manchester United goal and had just two goals by the turn of the year.
- The Slovenian striker exploded into form during the second half of 2025-26, scoring 10 goals in 15 matches.
- Michael Owen believes Sesko has improved but remains doubtful that he is United's definitive long-term centre forward.
- United are considering Igor Thiago after his 22-goal Premier League campaign, with Owen stressing the importance of squad depth ahead of the Champions League.
Sesko’s Slow Start Turned Into a Breakout
Manchester United had spent years searching for a dependable striker, moving through names such as Romelu Lukaku, Alexis Sanchez, Wout Weghorst and Rasmus Hojlund. In the summer transfer window of 2025, the club placed its faith in Sesko, investing £74 million ($100 million) in the former RB Leipzig striker.
The early returns, however, were far from convincing. Sesko needed seven games to open his Manchester United account and had scored only twice by the turn of the calendar year. Questions quickly emerged over whether he could handle the pressure of leading the line at Old Trafford. Then, something clicked.
From Frustration to Super-Sub Status
The second half of the 2025-26 season saw a completely different Sesko. He found the net 10 times across 15 matches, turning a difficult opening spell into a much more promising finish to the campaign. His impact off the bench also helped create the reputation of Sesko as something of a “super sub” — a label that reflected his ability to make an impact without necessarily being a guaranteed starter.
But as United prepare for a return to Europe's biggest competition, the question remains: is that enough?
Does Manchester United Need Another No.9?
United have yet to add another established striker to compete with or play alongside Sesko ahead of their return to the Champions League. For Owen, that isn't necessarily a major concern. The former Manchester United forward pointed out that the team has already shown it can perform without Sesko starting regularly, with players such as Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo capable of moving into attacking roles.
“Well, a lot of the time, half the time he [Sesko] doesn't even play and they do quite well anyway.” Owen also suggested that if United had a major European final coming up, Sesko might not necessarily be the first name chosen to lead the attack. “If they had another option, a better option, I'm sure they would take that.”
Owen Sees Progress — But Still Has Doubts
The former England striker admitted that Sesko's early performances were not particularly convincing, while also stressing how difficult it has been for forwards to establish themselves at Manchester United over the past decade. His view changed somewhat as the season progressed. “Obviously, in the second half of the season, Manchester United are playing really, really well. He's grown into the role as well.”
Owen expects Sesko to receive more opportunities during the upcoming campaign, but he remains unconvinced that the striker is United's long-term answer. “Do I see him as the long-term Manchester United centre forward? I'd have my doubts.” That assessment could have major implications for United's transfer plans.
Would Igor Thiago Be the Right Fit?
One striker reportedly on Manchester United's radar is Brentford forward Igor Thiago. The Brazilian enjoyed an impressive campaign, scoring 22 Premier League goals and earning a place in Brazil's World Cup squad. But Owen questioned whether another powerful, traditional centre-forward is actually what United need.
United’s Attack May Need More Than a Target Man
According to Owen, Manchester United haven't traditionally built their attacking style around a big target man. “It's not really been their style over the years, just to have a big target man.”
Adding another striker of that profile could force the rest of the attack to adjust to his strengths. Owen also questioned whether centre-forward is United's most urgent position, pointing to changes elsewhere in the squad.
United have lost Casemiro, but have replaced him with two midfielders, while their attacking options were already effective last season despite regular rotation. Amad, for example, played around half the time as United managed their attacking options.
Champions League Creates a New Problem
Where Owen does see a clear need for reinforcement is squad depth. Manchester United will have significantly more matches to navigate with Champions League football returning to their schedule. That additional workload could change the equation completely. “You're always wanting to improve numbers as well as quality.”
Owen believes Michael Carrick will be looking to strengthen the squad with more than just one or two additions. “I think Michael Carrick will be keen on getting a couple more players.”
The emphasis, however, is on bringing in the right players, rather than simply adding bodies. For United, the Champions League schedule could ultimately be the biggest test of their squad. “That's going to be the one thing that could trip them up, is the amount of games they're going to have to play.”
Manchester United’s 2026-27 Season Starts Soon
United are still finding their feet during pre-season while welcoming their World Cup stars back into the squad. Two more friendlies remain on the schedule against Leeds and AC Milan before competitive action begins. The Red Devils will officially open their 2026-27 Premier League campaign away to newly promoted Hull City on August 22. United also have until September 1 to complete any further additions, meaning another striker — if the club decides one is necessary — could still arrive before the next transfer deadline.
For Sesko, that creates a fascinating challenge. His second-half surge has given United plenty of reason to believe, but with the Champions League demanding more from the squad, the Slovenian striker may have to prove that his “super sub” tag can evolve into something much bigger: becoming Manchester United's undisputed No.9.
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