Owen Dismisses Sesko as Long-Term Solution; Baffled by Carrick Speculation

Michael Owen has poured cold water on Benjamin Sesko's prospects as Manchester United's answer to their striking woes, even as the £74m signing has found his shooting boots in recent weeks.

The former United frontman reckons Sesko lacks the credentials to be the club's long-term focal point, regardless of his impressive eight goals in 11 matches since Ruben Amorim's departure. United splashed out roughly £200m on attacking reinforcements last summer, bringing in Sesko from RB Leipzig alongside Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo, yet despite being among the Premier League's lowest scorers previously, they've now rattled in the third-highest tally this season.

Speaking to casino.org, Owen acknowledged Sesko's recent improvement but remained unconvinced. "He's not the answer long-term," Owen stated. "He's not the Manchester United centre-forward forever and ever. He's an expensive player who can get better and be a nice part of their squad, but equally, if United are playing in their biggest game of the season tomorrow, I don't think he starts."

Owen suggested there's room for an upgrade down the line, even if Sesko continues contributing goals. At just 22, the striker has shown marked improvement since his stuttering start—just two goals in his opening 14 appearances—but Owen reckons the Red Devils still need to keep their options open if they're serious about winning titles.

Yet Owen's most passionate comments centred on Michael Carrick, whose interim spell has been nothing short of remarkable. The former midfielder has won seven, drawn two, and lost just once since taking charge, and Owen finds it baffling that there's any discussion whatsoever about bringing in someone else permanently.

"Imagine if you got rid of Michael Carrick and things started going poorly again—the ownership would get absolutely lynched," Owen said. "I'm astounded by certain people saying no, they shouldn't appoint him. What more can he do?"

Owen pointed to United's chaotic managerial history over the past dozen years, during which they've cycled through established names, proven winners, and experimental appointments—from Louis van Gaal and José Mourinho to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Ralf Rangnick, and most recently Erik ten Hag and Amorim. After all that trial and error, Carrick has finally struck gold.

"They've tried virtually everything, and after a dozen years of trying and failing, you land on somebody that's getting a tune out of the players," Owen explained. "They're winning games, they're looking progressive, some of the players are playing the best football they've played in years."

Owen dismissed concerns about committing to Carrick long-term, pointing out that even a short-term deal carries minimal risk. "What's the worst that can happen? You give him a two-year contract. If it goes wrong after a few months, he can part company with the club."

Most strikingly, Owen suggested that had the season started when Carrick took over, United would currently be sitting atop the table. "We're talking at this stage now, we'd be a third of the way through the season and Man United at the top of the league. You'd be thinking, well, can they win the league?"

It's a far cry from the chaos that preceded his arrival, and Owen clearly believes disrupting that momentum would be footballing madness.