Michael Owen backs Michael Carrick to replace £73m Manchester United star

Former Manchester United striker Michael Owen (Picture: Getty)

Michael Owen has backed Manchester United to sign a new striker as he ‘doubts’ Benjamin Sesko is the ‘long-term’ answer up front.

Sesko scored 12 goals in 32 appearances during his first season at Old Trafford following his £73m move from RB Leipzig last summer.

The Slovenia international endured a poor first-half to the campaign but improved after Michael Carrick replaced Ruben Amorim in the United hot-seat.

Sesko will hope to kick on this season and confirm his status as Manchester United’s first-choice No. 9, but legendary striker Owen has ‘doubts’.

Owen does not believes Carrick would trust Sesko to start a must-win game that was happening next week and reckons the club would like a ‘better option’ at their disposal.

Asked whether Manchester United should be looking to bring in a new striker before the summer transfer window closes, Owen told GOAL: ‘Well, a lot of the time, half the time he [Sesko] doesn’t even play and they do quite well anyway.

‘Whether they push [Matheus] Cunha up front or [Bryan] Mbeumo or whoever, they’ve managed without him.

Manchester United striker Benjamin Sesko (Picture: Getty)

‘Even though he’s the only out and out centre forward, if it was the European Cup final next week, then I’m not sure he would start. If they had another option, a better option, I’m sure they would take that.

‘However, he has surprised a few. He wasn’t that convincing right at the start, but it’s not easy to be convincing in the Manchester United team over the last decade or so.

‘Obviously, in the second half of the season, Manchester United are playing really, really well. He’s grown into the role as well. You’d definitely say he’s going to get more game time this season and see how he does.

Manchester United boss Michael Carrick (Picture: Getty)

‘Do I see him as the long-term Manchester United centre forward? I’d have my doubts.’

The former England striker added: ‘Attacking options, I wouldn’t say they’ve got loads of them, but they were quite good for them last year.

‘The one thing they’ve got this season, obviously, is a lot more games in the Champions League. They’re going to have to manage that. You’re always wanting to improve numbers as well as quality.