Watkins and Sesko on Man Utd radar – how do they compare to Hojlund?

If Manchester United decides to add more players to their strike force during the current transfer window, Ollie Watkins and Benjamin Sesko are at the top of their list.

The United hierarchy agrees that they need to begin off-loading some of their unwanted players in order to pay for a new addition, which might not occur until the deadline of September 1.

No player would be simple to bring to Old Trafford.

Newcastle are known to be interested in Slovenian Sesko, but they have missed out on a number of important targets this summer and are uncertain about their own star forward Alexander Isak.

In his 33 Bundesliga games last year, the 22-year-old scored 13 goals.

Villa have stated that Watkins’ sale to England is not in their interest.

Rasmus Hojlund is Ruben Amorim’s first-choice center-forward at the moment, despite his poor form last season, scoring only 10 goals in 52 games.

The £72m man made a wise decision by using his pace and strength to create a chance for himself that struck the outside of the post in Saturday’s 2-1 win over West Ham, according to Amorim.

However, his boss was irritated by one missed first-half chance, which he had not yet scored in two pre-season starts.

United has so far signed three players this summer, including teenage defender Diego Leon and attacking duo Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo, who could also play as a central striker but are thought to be more likely to occupy Amorim’s preferred two number 10 slots. United has already spent almost £130 million on these two signings.

Amorim discussed his current preference to sign players who are familiar with the Premier League on Friday.

Rashford signed for Barcelona last week, while Tyrrell Malacia, Antony, Jadon Sancho, and Alejandro Garnacho, United’s other unwanted players, were excluded from the team’s US tour.

Sesko and Watkins both posted significantly better 2024-25 figures, compared to Hojlund’s only four goals in 32 Premier League games last year and his only goal this pre-season start. Watkins hit 16 in 38 at Aston Villa, while Sesko made 33 top-flight starts for RB Leipzig.

Although Hojlund was referred to as a “real frontman” by then-manager Erik ten Hag when he left United in the summer of 2023, Watkins and Sesko both have more all-round qualities.

Watkins has a strong assist record, but Sesko is more than just a traditional number nine.

He can score goals of all kinds from all kinds of distances and is also quick to move and comfortable receiving the ball with his back to the goal or leaning against the last defender and rushing onto a through ball. In a career at the elite level, he has outperformed Watkins and Hojlund in a number of crucial areas.

Sesko is probably a better fit for Amorim if the organization is looking for someone who can provide a focal point and compete in aerial duels. Watkins is six inches shorter than the Slovenian and whose game involves more movement and space travel.