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Rio Ferdinand warns Manchester United against signing Bundesliga star

Originally posted on We All Follow United
By Rohit Sarkar | Last updated Jul 26, 2025 8:01 PM ET

Rio Ferdinand urges Manchester United to end Benjamin Sesko pursuit

The 2024/25 season was nothing short of a nightmare for Manchester United. 15th place in the Premier League, defeat to Tottenham in the Europa League final and now out of European competitions next season. There have been a few moments in the club’s history when there has been such a big difference between expectations and ground reality. The club tried to change by bringing Ruben Amorim in the middle of the season, but he too could not leave much impact.

United’s condition has been continuously deteriorating for the last few seasons. Every time there is a new hope, a new coach, a new system, but the result is the same. Patience is now breaking at Old Trafford. Rashford’s move to Barcelonais also a big indication that a lot is yet to change in the club. Some players will certainly be sold, and it has become necessary to make space for new players. However, the question is whether the change will come only from names or also from thinking?

Is Benjamin Sesko the answer?

United made some bold moves at the start of the summer, bringing in Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo to inject new energy into the attack and adding young Diogo Leon for the future. However, the real need is a striker who can provide stability to the squad after the disappointing form of Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee.

The club are reportedly eyeing Benjamin Sesko, whose 13-goal return in the Bundesliga in the 2024/25 season has attracted attention across Europe. However, former United defender Rio Ferdinand has warned that the club cannot rebuild on prospects alone. He said that United need an experienced centre-forward who can not only score goals but also guide the other youngsters.

“I think you’ve got to look at the here and now at the moment with Man United. That’s what I said about a number nine. 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 number nine.’

That’s how you do it. 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?”

Ferdinand explained on his YouTube channel

Why are we running away from experience?

The Slovenian has the ability; there is no doubt about that. He is tall, has good positioning sense and a cool finishing touch. The 22-year-old has everything a modern striker needs. However, the question is, is he ready yet? Hojlund and Zirkzee are already struggling with a lack of experience. Will Sesko become another name in that league?

Rio has a point. Every club needs a player who can guide the others. The Slovenian may become that in two years, but today the need is different. That’s why Ollie Watkins’ name is being bandied about. Aston Villa, however, will not want to let him go, especially after qualifying for the Europa League. Watkins has the experience and consistency that United need. However, if he can’t be signed, then an alternative like Victor Osimhen will have to be found. United now need more thinking than risk. Only the right decision this time can take the team to new heights. Otherwise, next season there will be only excuses and regrets.

This article first appeared on We All Follow United and was syndicated with permission.

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