Benjamin Sesko Alternative Outshines Him Across the Board This Season and Costs £48M Less
The performance of Benjamin Sesko this season has raised concerns for Manchester United fans. While his talent remains evident, his high transfer cost of £74 million has not translated into expected results on the pitch. In contrast, other forwards such as Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo have excelled, illustrating a disparity in effectiveness.
Sesko’s Struggles at Manchester United
Sesko has started in 11 games but has faced issues with consistency, scoring only two goals. His minutes played amount to 616, resulting in a goal conversion rate of just 11.1%. This performance raises questions about his current role at Old Trafford.
Jean-Philippe Mateta: A Worthwhile Alternative
One player who has made a strong case for the striking position is Jean-Philippe Mateta. Mateta, who plays for Crystal Palace, has performed impressively this season. With 11 starts and 7 goals, his goal conversion rate stands at an impressive 20%. Additionally, he has contributed 3 assists and has been instrumental in the Premier League’s early stages.
| Player | Games Started | Minutes Played | Goals | Assists | Shots | Shots on Target | Shots/90 | Goal Conversion |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Benjamin Sesko | 11 | 616 | 2 | 1 | 18 | 7 | 2.6 | 11.1% |
| Jean-Philippe Mateta | 11 | 596 | 6 | 3 | 30 | 15 | 2.8 | 20.0% |
The Case for a Dual Signing Strategy
The lack of a backup option has put undue pressure on Sesko, who at 22 is still developing. The absence of another striker leaves him as the sole focus in the forward line, which can be overwhelming. Mateta is an ideal alternative and could have provided healthy competition.
Future Possibilities for Manchester United
Manchester United’s decision not to sign Mateta, whose asking price was approximately £26 million, is now viewed as a missed opportunity. With Mateta’s continued success, a future acquisition may still be possible. United would benefit greatly from reconsidering this potential deal during the summer transfer window.
In conclusion, strengthening the squad with both Benjamin Sesko and Jean-Philippe Mateta could have provided Manchester United with greater attacking depth and increased chances for success this season. With Mateta’s proven Premier League performance, his addition could significantly change the dynamics of the United forward lineup.
