As the summer transfer window advances, Manchester United find themselves at a crucial juncture, having been advised to set their sights on a Newcastle United star and to reconsider their strategy for strengthening their squad.
Reports emerged this week indicating that United are on the verge of securing their fourth summer signing, with a ‘total agreement’ in place for Benjamin Sesko, a target largely pursued by Newcastle United as well. Sesko is poised to join the likes of Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha, and Diego Leon at Old Trafford.
Despite the flurry of activity, much work remains for the Premier League giants. Marcus Rashford’s departure this summer has left United with a host of players deemed surplus to requirements. Additionally, the club continues its pursuit of further new signings, with reports linking them to a goalkeeper and defensive midfielder.
Interestingly, with financial constraints looming, United have been urged to contemplate an unexpected swoop for Newcastle United shot-stopper Nick Pope, following Aaron Ramsdale’s move to St James’ Park. Former Premier League goalkeeper Ben Foster, speaking on his Fozcast podcast, advocated for Pope’s acquisition, asserting, “Manchester United are absolutely crying out for a goalkeeper. You’d do so much worse than getting Nick Pope. I think it would be a fantastic fit, I really do.”
Foster is emphatic about Pope’s abilities, especially considering a key injury to current goalkeeper Andre Onana, potentially paving the way for Pope’s arrival as a stable alternative. He notes, “Nick Pope’s your boy and he’ll stop goals. Onana’s had this big injury and only maybe just be fit for the season’s start. You don’t want that uncertainty. Nick Pope will be thinking, ‘Hmm’.”
On the striker front, former United assistant Rene Meulensteen chimed in on the ongoing debate, suggesting the Red Devils might have been wiser to consider Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins instead of Benjamin Sesko. “I look at someone like Ollie Watkins who may be available,” Meulensteen stated. He praised Watkins as a hard-working player with Premier League experience, a valuable asset United seem to overlook with their current signings.
Meulensteen added, “Why doesn’t the club bring in Watkins and allow the coaches to work closely with Hojlund to allow him to develop? It’s a waste of investment otherwise.”
It remains to be seen whether United will heed this advice as they navigate the closing stages of the transfer window, but one thing is certain: they are under pressure to bolster their squad effectively in pursuit of reclaiming domestic and European glory.
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