Butt Backs Osimhen Move as Sesko Upgrade: "Can't Carry Club Alone"

Nicky Butt reckons Manchester United ought to bolster their attack with a premium signing this summer, arguing that Benjamin Sesko lacks the credentials to shoulder the burden single-handedly.

The 22-year-old joined United from RB Leipzig last summer for approximately £74m. After a shaky start to his maiden campaign, Sesko has since found his rhythm, netting nine goals across 26 Premier League outings this term and positioning himself well for the road ahead.

Yet the club legend isn't convinced the Slovenian possesses what it takes to lead the line on his own at Old Trafford. "I don't think he can carry the club up front on his own, they'll need another no9," Butt declared.

"He's shown he's got massive potential, great movement, he works his socks off. He can score a goal and you can see he's good in the air but he's not the complete centre-forward for United at that level. He can potentially get there."

The demands of European football, Butt contends, present an entirely different proposition. "When you go into the Champions League, it's just a different kettle of fish. The tempo is totally different, the pressure on it is totally different. You've then got to come back and perform in the league, maybe two days later."

Recruitment, in Butt's view, must be ruthless in its pursuit of excellence. "There's no point in going and buying a player who doesn't improve the squad. You've got to go and buy the best player," he insisted.

"I think Sesko will be a good player for United, I don't think he needs replacing, but someone who is better than him that can lift his game as well."

Osimhen the Answer?

So who fits the bill? Butt has pinpointed Victor Osimhen—the Galatasaray forward who arrived in Turkey for £65m last summer—as an ideal candidate.

"I think he'd be the one. You'd like to think that players from Turkish sides are gettable," Butt explained.

"The recruitment team will not only look at the best players, but you're looking at the ones that are gettable. You're wasting time on certain players that you're not going to get if they cost £120million."

Osimhen's profile ticks multiple boxes, according to the former midfielder. "He's powerful, quick, he can run in behind, he's strong, has got a good touch, can score different types of goals, he's good in the air."

The Weight of Expectation

Butt drew parallels with previous recruitment mishaps, highlighting the perils of throwing substantial sums at unproven talent. "Sesko has not quite worked, Rasmus Hojlund didn't work. You've got to be careful, spending £65m, £70m on people that are unproven, it's not right."

The pattern, he suggested, represents a recurring error. "With Sesko it's the same mistake as Hojlund. A young, unproven striker, a lot of money, too much weight on his shoulders. Let's be honest he's scored a few goals, he's done well over the last few weeks but he's not been a roaring success."

Whilst Sesko may develop into a genuine force, Butt believes the timeline doesn't align with United's immediate ambitions. "Sesko might be ready in two or three years but not right now and definitely not in the Champions League."

Osimhen, though untested in English football, possesses the physical attributes and technical qualities to adapt. "I know Osimhen isn't proven in the Premier League but you look at his physicality and the way he plays football, he can definitely handle it."