MANCHESTER. Gary Pallister has urged Manchester United to pursue a more mature centre forward this summer, warning that Benjamin Sesko still requires competition from an established goalscorer if the club are to build on their encouraging third place finish .
The former United defender, who won six Premier League titles at Old Trafford, believes the 23 year old Slovenian impressed during his debut campaign but remains a work in progress. Sesko scored 11 league goals, with nine arriving after the turn of the year, playing a pivotal role in Michael Carrick’s side securing Champions League qualification.
However, Joshua Zirkzee’s struggles have left United short of a reliable alternative. The Dutchman, who has failed to meet expectations across two seasons at the club, contributed just two goals from 26 appearances and has been consistently linked with a return to Serie A.
“I think they may need another centre forward,” Pallister told NewBettingSites. “Sesko did alright last year, but I think he’s still got a bit to learn, as he’s still a young kid. I think someone with a bit more maturity than Sesko would be ideal for the centre forward slot to fight with him for the position.”
Zirkzee departure could prompt move
Carrick regularly preferred Bryan Mbeumo as a makeshift number nine when Sesko was unavailable or benched, underscoring the manager’s limited faith in Zirkzee’s ability to lead the line. The Dutchman was a target for Roma last winter and has since been linked with Juventus, with a summer exit appearing increasingly likely.
Should Zirkzee depart, United could reinvest in an experienced marksman. Crystal Palace’s Jean Philippe Mateta has emerged as a potential candidate. The 28 year old has established himself as one of the Premier League’s most formidable strikers, with 42 goals across the last three seasons, combining physical presence, hold up play and aerial prowess.
Mateta came close to joining AC Milan for approximately £30 million last winter and could be available for less this summer, with his contract at Selhurst Park set to expire in June 2027. The Frenchman would offer a different profile to Sesko, providing Carrick with a more direct option through the middle.
United’s recruitment this summer will be shaped by their participation in the expanded Club World Cup and the need to strengthen depth across multiple positions. Securing a reliable deputy to Sesko is understood to be among the priorities, particularly with European commitments adding to the fixture load.
Reporting by Azuka; Editing by Betandsured team
