Sesko or Watkins: Who Best Fits Amorim's Manchester United Blueprint?

Sesko or Watkins - Who Best Fits Amorim's Manchester United Blueprint? [Getty]

Amorim’s Man Utd No.9 Dilemma: Sesko’s Potential vs. Watkins’ Consistency

As Manchester United prepare to turn a new page under Ruben Amorim, a familiar dilemma looms large: which striker, if any, can provide the firepower the club so clearly lacked last season? With Rasmus Højlund enduring a turbulent 2024-25 campaign, finding the back of the net just 10 times in 52 appearances, it’s no surprise United are eyeing reinforcements.

Hojlund demonstrated glimpses of his potential under Erik ten Hag, but carrying the responsibility of leading Man Utd upfront has taken a toll on him.

While the young Dane showed flashes of his potential, especially under Erik ten Hag, his speed and physicality were on full display in the recent pre-season win over West Ham, but his inconsistency in front of goal remains a concern. And Amorim’s reaction to a missed chance during that game spoke volumes.

The manager might publicly back Højlund, but the club’s summer transfer activity tells its own story. The Red Devils have spent nearly £130 million on attacking reinforcements already, bringing in Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo, both dynamic, technical players who seem tailored for the two No.10 roles Amorim prefers.

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That leaves the central striker position glaringly open for someone more clinical. And that’s where the names of Benjamin Šeško and Ollie Watkins come into focus.

 Šeško already has a résumé that screams promise.

Šeško: Raw Power, Rich Potential

At just 22, Benjamin Šeško already has a résumé that screams promise. A product of the Red Bull development model, he’s tall (6'5"), mobile, and deceptively technical.

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His 21 goals across all competitions last season, despite Leipzig’s underwhelming Bundesliga finish, reflect efficiency and maturity.

What’s more, he brings big-game experience with 41 caps for Slovenia and back-to-back Champions League seasons under his belt.

But Šeško isn’t your stereotypical towering forward. Yes, he’s dominant in the air and has a fierce shot, but he’s also willing to drift wide or drop deep to link up play, qualities that could suit Amorim’s fluid system.

There’s one catch: Šeško is attracting attention elsewhere, notably from Newcastle United (reportedly set to lose their star striker Alexander Isak), and prising him away from Leipzig mid-project won't be cheap or straightforward.

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Watkins: Proven, Premier League Polished

On the other hand, Ollie Watkins, Aston Villa's leading goalscorer of all-time, offers something Šeško can’t, which is Premier League consistency. The Villa frontman racked up 17 goals and 14 assists last season, featuring in every league match.

Watkins scored 17 goals and registered 14 assists last season.

He was instrumental to Villa’s push for Europe, and his sharp movement, intelligent pressing, and ability to operate in transition would all make him an appealing fit for United.

The issue? Price and availability. Villa have publicly ruled out a sale, and even if their stance softens, the £60 million valuation for a 29-year-old, whose contract runs till 2028, is hard to justify. Add in Villa’s financial fair play concerns and their recent squad overhaul, and Watkins’ potential departure could hinge on a deadline-day scramble.

More Than Just Numbers

Beyond goals and assists, what Amorim wants in a striker is clear: hunger, adaptability, and a desire to be part of his project. “They have to want to come here [to Man United],” he recently said, underlining how critical mentality is to his recruitment.

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In that regard, Watkins may be the safer bet as he is seasoned, battle-tested, and clearly comfortable in England. Šeško, meanwhile, is the long-term investment, raw, but with world-class upside.

One could even argue that neither is the perfect fit individually. Amorim might ultimately opt to rotate or mould Cunha or Mbeumo into more central roles while nurturing Højlund’s development.

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Verdict: Horses for Different Courses

If Amorim is building a side to contend immediately, Watkins brings proven production and a plug-and-play profile. But if United want to build for the next five years and rediscover their identity with a fearless, attacking core, then Šeško might just be the one to elevate this project from promising to elite.

Either way, one thing is clear: if United want to avoid another season of blunt edge and frustrated finishes, finding the right striker is no longer optional, it’s urgent.