Manchester United has made a significant investment of £74 million to acquire Benjamin Sesko, aiming to establish him as their main striker. Despite a promising end to the previous season, where he scored 10 goals in the last 15 matches, questions remain about his long-term viability as a first-choice forward.

Michael Owen, a former United player, has expressed skepticism about whether Sesko can be the reliable number 9 the team needs. While Sesko's recent performance showed improvement, Owen noted that the striker must prove his capabilities in the upcoming season to dispel any doubts. The concern is not just about his past performance but also about the demands of a new season that could see United competing in up to 60 matches across various competitions.

United's history with strikers has been turbulent, with previous high-profile signings like Romelu Lukaku and Alexis Sanchez failing to deliver the expected results. The club hopes that Sesko will break this trend, but his initial struggles, including a slow start to his scoring tally, have raised eyebrows. He managed to score only twice before the new year, which is not acceptable for a player of his price tag.

As Manchester United prepares to return to the Champions League, the pressure mounts on Sesko to perform consistently. The team needs a striker who can not only score but also maintain performance levels throughout a grueling season. If Owen's concerns are validated and Sesko does not secure a starting position in critical matches, the club may have to reconsider their investment.

In light of these challenges, United is also exploring options to bring in additional attacking talent, such as Igor Thiago from Brentford, who had a standout season. However, the question remains whether they need another striker or simply a reliable backup for Sesko. The upcoming season will be a crucial test for both the player and the club's strategy moving forward.