Watkins Over Sesko? Man Utd Urged Not to Repeat Hojlund Gamble

Former Sir Alex Ferguson Assistant Warns Man Utd About Another Potential Rasmus Hojlund Situation in Benjamin Sesko Pursuit

Manchester United look to be edging closer to securing the signature of Benjamin Sesko this summer—but not everyone is convinced it’s the right move. As the transfer saga nears its climax, Sir Alex Ferguson’s former assistant Rene Meulensteen has voiced a strong opinion: United could be repeating the same mistake they made with Rasmus Hojlund last season.

The Slovenian forward, who has reportedly chosen United over Newcastle, is expected to bring much-needed firepower to an attack that struggled throughout the 2024–25 campaign. But with echoes of last summer’s big-money bet on Hojlund still lingering around Old Trafford, there are growing concerns that lightning might strike twice—this time in the shape of Benjamin Sesko.

Sesko Has Potential—But Is It Too Soon?

Watkins Sesko Man Utd GFX

The excitement around Sesko is understandable. At 21, he’s tall, athletic, technically gifted, and already boasts international experience with Slovenia. His form for RB Leipzig in the Bundesliga has caught the eye of Europe’s top clubs, and in a market where young strikers are either unavailable or unaffordable, Sesko seems like a logical gamble. But therein lies the problem—Manchester United are being warned it may still be just that: a gamble.

Meulensteen, who worked closely with Sir Alex Ferguson during the club’s most successful years, sees clear parallels between the Sesko signing and last summer’s acquisition of Rasmus Hojlund. “This is basically exactly what they did with Hojlund,” Meulensteen told Poker Strategy. “If Sesko starts well and scores a few early goals, it could all work out. But what if he doesn’t? The Premier League is a different animal entirely.”

It’s a fair point. Hojlund, signed from Atalanta for a hefty fee, arrived with similar hype but managed just four league goals across a turbulent first season in England. The expectation weighed heavily on his shoulders, and despite his work rate and potential, he struggled to live up to the billing in a side that lacked attacking rhythm.

Premier League Proven: The Case for Ollie Watkins

Benjamin Sesko Man Utd GFX

While Sesko might have youth and upside on his side, Meulensteen argues that United would be better off targeting a striker with Premier League experience—like Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins. “He’s a hard-working player with similar features to Sesko,” Meulensteen said. “But the big difference is that Watkins already knows the Premier League inside out, and that’s priceless.”

Watkins, 29, is coming off the best season of his career. His pace, movement, and link-up play were instrumental in Aston Villa’s surprise top-four finish and Champions League qualification. He also chipped in with 19 league goals—an output that dwarfs anything currently in United’s forward line. And crucially, he did it in the same division where United are trying to close the gap on Manchester City and Arsenal.

While Watkins may not be the shinier, sexier name, there’s a sense that his qualities could offer United something more reliable—something more immediate. “He might even cost less than Sesko,” Meulensteen added. “And that should count for something, especially when you consider United’s recent transfer misfires.”

Amorim’s Influence and United’s Transfer Direction

One key difference in United’s transfer approach this summer is the presence of new manager Ruben Amorim. The Portuguese coach has been promised time and support to build a younger, more dynamic team—and Sesko seems to fit that vision. Amorim reportedly played a key role in convincing the Slovenian to snub Newcastle and move to Old Trafford instead.

But even Amorim might appreciate the benefit of having a Premier League-proven striker like Watkins to lead the line, especially if United want to hit the ground running next season. According to reports, Watkins himself is open to the idea of joining the Red Devils, though Villa would be reluctant to lose their talisman with Champions League football on the horizon.

Still, it’s not hard to imagine the England international being tempted by the allure of Old Trafford and the chance to become a central figure in one of the world’s biggest clubs. Whether United see him as a viable option, however, remains to be seen.

Time Running Out Before Season Kick-Off

With the Premier League opener against Arsenal looming on August 17, United are under pressure to get their business done quickly. Securing a striker before then is a top priority. The fear among fans—and some within the club—is that signing Sesko now could lead to another adjustment year just when United need to be firing from the first whistle.

Sesko may well turn out to be a star. His ceiling is undeniably high. But United’s recent history is littered with examples of players who were signed more for their potential than for what they could immediately offer. In a team that finished sixth last season and was the second-lowest-scoring side in the top half, is now really the time for another long-term project?

Striking the Balance Between Vision and Urgency

There’s a delicate balance between building for the future and solving the problems of the present. Rasmus Hojlund may yet develop into a top-tier striker, but his growing pains last season were felt throughout the team. Now, with another raw prospect on the verge of joining in Sesko, the question must be asked—are United gambling again when a safer, more proven alternative is available?

It’s not about giving up on potential. It’s about timing. And Meulensteen’s warning carries weight not just because of his past success with the club, but because it reflects what many supporters are already thinking.

A striker like Ollie Watkins may not set pulses racing in quite the same way as a Bundesliga wonderkid, but he might just be exactly what Manchester United need right now.