Man Utd Told to Forget About Benjamin Sesko

‘Break the Bank’ for Brighton Star Carlos Baleba Instead, Says Rio Ferdinand

Manchester United’s summer rebuild is well underway, but the rumour mill keeps spinning—and one of the club’s legendary figures has weighed in with a bold transfer recommendation.

Rio Ferdinand, never one to shy away from offering honest opinions on his former club, has urged United to forget the chase for Benjamin Sesko and instead go all out for Carlos Baleba, the highly-rated Brighton midfielder.

According to Ferdinand, if United are serious about building a squad that can compete at the top again, they need to make smarter, more impactful investments—and Baleba, in his eyes, fits the bill better than another inexperienced forward.

What Happened? A Summer of Tweaks, Not Transformation

So far, United’s summer window has been productive but not groundbreaking. The arrivals of Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo, and promising youngster Diego Leon have brought fresh energy to Erik ten Hag’s squad, but fans and pundits alike are still wondering whether United have done enough—especially in central midfield and up front.

Names like Javi Guerra and Benjamin Sesko have been circulating as potential reinforcements, while Rasmus Hojlund remains the club’s primary centre-forward option going into the new campaign.

But with financial constraints continuing to limit Old Trafford’s spending power, Rio believes United need to make one clear, decisive move—and that move, in his view, should be for Carlos Baleba.

What Ferdinand Said: “That’s My Man”

Brighton & Hove Albion FC v Aston Villa FC – Premier League

Speaking passionately on his YouTube channel, Vibe with FIVE, Ferdinand didn’t hold back when discussing United’s transfer strategy and where their priorities should lie.

“I think you’ve got to look at the here and now at the moment with Man United,” he said.
“That’s what I said about a No. 9. I’m not really doubting [Sesko] as a player. I’m saying Man United need experience at the top of the pitch. They’ve got Hojlund, they’ve got Zirkzee, they’ve got Chido—young, inexperienced players. They need someone to look at and go, ‘That’s how you play as a No. 9.’”

It’s a fair point. While Benjamin Sesko is brimming with talent, he’s still very much a project, and United—under pressure to return to elite status—may not have time for another slow-burn striker. Ferdinand went on to express concern about piling all the responsibility on the shoulders of players still learning the ropes in one of the most unforgiving positions on the pitch.

“When you’re going to buy somebody who hasn’t got as much experience as I’d like, I think that’s another risk. Is it worth taking with inexperienced players at this level?”

Why Carlos Baleba?

So if not another striker, then what?

For Ferdinand, the answer is crystal clear.

“If I don’t get a striker, I’d go midfield. There’s only one name I’m thinking about, I’ve got to be honest, who I think fits the bill for what we need… Carlos Baleba. That’s who I go and get. That’s my man. That’s the one I go and get. I’d go and break the bank.”

The praise didn’t stop there. Ferdinand was emphatic about what Baleba could bring to United’s midfield:

“Physically great, can drive with the ball, can take it in all areas, very good tactically, great energy, great legs, Premier League experience, centre midfield.”

At just 21 years old, Baleba has already shown he can handle the physical and mental demands of the English top flight. His performances for Brighton last season caught the eye not just for their intensity, but for his ability to play box-to-box with purpose and poise.

“I think he’ll have a huge impact on this squad, on this team. You free up a few people in that midfield area as well to have a little less responsibility defensively because I think he’s all-action. He can do it all.”

The Bigger Picture: United’s Midfield Needs More Power

Ferdinand’s comments come at a time when questions about Manchester United’s midfield balance are becoming more pressing. With Casemiro’s form dipping last season, Eriksen aging, and McTominay used more as a utility player, there’s a genuine need for someone who can dominate physically and contribute consistently across 90 minutes.

Bruno Fernandes may be the creative heartbeat, but he needs protection and freedom behind him. Baleba could be the player who gives United both solidity and a springboard to play higher up the pitch.

He’s raw, yes—but already more battle-tested in England than many of the young midfielders currently being linked to top clubs across Europe.

Why Not Benjamin Sesko?

Manchester United v Leeds United – Pre-Season Friendly

It’s worth noting that Benjamin Sesko, the 21-year-old Slovenian forward, is still viewed as a top prospect and has admirers at Old Trafford. But as Ferdinand points out, signing a striker who is still developing, at a time when Hojlund himself is just starting to find his feet, feels like a gamble United might not be in a position to take.

“Would I get a No. 9 I’m not sure about, who’s a bit young, inexperienced, or would I get Baleba with Premier League experience and know what he can do here? I’m going Baleba, sorry.”

In other words, while Benjamin Sesko may blossom in the future, United need someone ready to make an impact right now.

What’s Next for Man Utd?

The Red Devils are currently in the United States, continuing their pre-season preparations, with a match against West Ham looming. Fans are hoping to see glimpses of the new signings and perhaps even a surprise or two before the transfer window closes.

There’s still time for the club to act—and Ferdinand’s comments may echo the thoughts of many United supporters craving physicality, energy, and dependability in midfield.

If United can offload a few fringe players, as expected, there may yet be enough in the kitty to go after one more signing. And if they do, Carlos Baleba might just be the man they need to complete a puzzle that’s been unfinished for far too long.

Final Thoughts: Rio Might Be Onto Something

Ferdinand’s words carry weight, not just because of his legendary status, but because he speaks with a blend of insight, urgency, and realism that resonates with fans.

In a world of transfer hype, it’s refreshing to hear someone cut through the noise and focus on what the team actually needs, not just who’s trending. And right now, United might just need a Carlos Baleba more than a Benjamin Sesko.