Watkins or Sesko? Who should Manchester United sign as their new striker

There are various reports stating that Manchester United have narrowed down their striker targets to Ollie Watkins and Benjamin Sesko. Who should they sign?

Pros:

• Proven Premier League track record

• Experienced campaigner

• Eager to earn a spot in the Three Lions squad next year

• Scored 16 Premier League goals and provided 8 assists last season.

Cons:

• Going to be 30 this year

• No resale value

• Has he passed his prime already? A big question mark hangs over his head.

Although Villa’s stance is that he is not for sale, they have put a £60 million valuation on him. However, if United can get him for £40-45 million, he will be a decent signing to make an impact straight away.

Pros:

• Young prospect who already has enough experience of playing in European competitions and at international level for Slovenia

• Massive potential

• Resale value if not on high wages

Cons:

• Will be another gamble on a youngster like they did for Hojlund.

• Still a raw talent

• Not that prolific: only 13 Bundesliga goals last year

The quoted price is £70-75 million. For that money, it will be a huge risk.

Gulf News verdict:

Manchester United have spent on Premier League-proven players Cunha and Mbuemo this year, and adding Watkins for a cut-price deal to that list will be a safer option for immediate impact. Another fun fact is that Watkins, 29, played alongside new United signing Mbuemo for then-Championship side Brentford in the 2019-20 season.

Let me reiterate: Sesko is the one with better potential than Watkins, but he will be a gamble like Hojlund and might crumble under pressure. But this is football, and he might come and make a huge impact straight away as well as he has the potential.

Either way, it is a gamble, but Watkins will be a better gamble for United, who are trying to get back to the top four immediately after having such a disastrous campaign last year. I believe they still have to sign a controlling midfielder as well, and the offloading of many players is still in the plan.

Newcastle are also behind Sesko. For Sesko, going to Newcastle will be a better option for his development, where he can deliver without much pressure. However, there are other reports that state that the player would like to move to Manchester United. Let’s wait and see what Manchester United are going to do.