Benjamin Sesko alternative is outperforming him in every aspect this season – and he was £48m cheaper
Benjamin Sesko has struggled thus far this season, and Manchester United should have signed another forward to compete with the Slovenian at Old Trafford.
While Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo have firmly hit the ground running for Manchester United, Benjamin Sesko has yet to settle.
The forward has shown glimpses of brilliance, but hasn’t lived up to the £74m price tag the Red Devils paid RB Leipzig in the summer.
Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images
The issue – United don’t have a backup to compete with the 22-year-old. Rasmus Hojlund’s departure ensured that Sesko was Amorim’s only genuine striker for the 25/26 campaign.
Jean-Philippe Mateta should be a Manchester United player
With this being the case, it is rather baffling to think why Manchester United didn’t pursue a second striking option – and that should have been Jean-Philippe Mateta.
The Crystal Palace forward was electric last season and has continued his fine form in the first quarter of the Premier League campaign.
Mateta’s fine form has even earned him a place in France’s national squad, where he made his debut at 28 years old in October.
The comparison between Mateta and Sesko is night and day this season, with the Eagles star outperforming the United forward in almost every aspect (Sourced from FBRef).
PlayerGames StartedMinutesGoalsAssistsShotsShots on TargetShots/90Goal ConversionBenjamin Sesko1161621187 (38.9%)2.6111.1%Jean-Philippe Mateta11959603015 (50%)2.8220.0%
The prolific goalscorer was Premier League proven – and should have been a no-brainer for Manchester United, particularly as Mateta had a reported asking price of about £26m.
Man United should have signed Sesko and Mateta
It was a missed opportunity – and an opportunity that United are paying for with Sesko struggling.
The approach should have been to sign both Sesko and Mateta. This would have allowed healthy competition between the pair and also given Amorim options in his forward arsenal.
Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images
Instead, Sesko is feeling the pressure due to being the only available option. At just 22, this is a lot of responsibility.
Mateta to United may not be dead. With the forward just 28, there’s an opportunity to go back in for him in the summer. We would heavily advise the Red Devils to do so.
