Manchester United are intensifying their pursuit of a new striker this summer as they seek to boost their attacking depth ahead of the new season. The club is laser-focused on adding a dependable goalscorer to support Rasmus Højlund, who hasn’t yet hit consistent top form. With this in mind, Benjamin Šeško and Ollie Watkins have emerged as the two front-runners on United’s shortlist, each offering a unique set of strengths. Šeško, admired for his imposing physicality and clinical finishing, remains a player the club has monitored for some time. On the other hand, Watkins has turned heads following his outstanding campaign with Aston Villa, playing a key role in their Champions League qualification.
United’s recruitment team is facing a complex decision. Šeško may have signed a new long-term contract with RB Leipzig, but insiders believe he’s available for a fee in the region of £63–75 million if the right offer comes in. His towering frame, raw pace, and scoring instinct have made him a standout candidate, especially with Arsenal focusing their attention on Viktor Gyökeres instead. This could open the door for United to swoop in, if they’re willing to match Leipzig’s demands. Amorim sees Šeško as the ideal No. 9 to build around — a striker for the present and the future.
Meanwhile, Watkins has shown he can do it in the Premier League, and that counts for a lot. With 16 goals and 8 assists last season, he continues to prove himself as a complete forward. He’s Aston Villa’s all-time top scorer in the Premier League, and his work rate, intelligent movement, and adaptability make him a tempting prospect for a manager like Amorim, who values high-energy football. Watkins wouldn’t need time to adjust to the league, and that’s a big advantage.
However, price remains a sticking point. Villa have slapped a £60 million tag on Watkins, and while United have explored possible player-swap options — including even floating Marcus Rashford in discussions — those ideas have been quickly dismissed. There are also concerns internally about Watkins’ resale value, given his age (29) and the lack of a long-term upside compared to a younger player like Šeško. For a club that’s trying to plan more sustainably, that raises eyebrows.
Pundits and fans alike are split. Some argue Watkins is more reliable, a plug-and-play option with a guaranteed goal return. Others warn that signing him could stunt Højlund’s development, or simply be an expensive short-term patch. Meanwhile, Šeško represents a more ambitious swing — a potential future superstar, but one who might not deliver instant impact. The board is walking a tightrope between needing results now and investing in tomorrow.
Looking at the numbers, both strikers come with pros and cons. Šeško brings youth, physical dominance, and a massive ceiling, but he’s tied to Leipzig until 2029 and would command a hefty fee. Watkins, on the other hand, is a proven Premier League scorer and team player, but lacks the kind of resale value or long-term upside the club might be aiming for. Each profile answers a different question: one about ambition, the other about immediacy.
Time, however, is not on United’s side. With pre-season matches already underway, Amorim is pushing for a quick resolution. He wants the new striker bedded in and blending with the squad long before the season opener. Negotiations are underway, but any move — particularly for Šeško — will depend on United’s ability to sell or offload players to generate funds.
Ultimately, the decision will hinge on what United value more: Šeško’s long-term potential or Watkins’ proven track record. If Arsenal close the door on Šeško by securing Gyökeres, United may seize their chance. But if finances tighten or Leipzig won’t budge, Watkins stands as a capable fallback. Either way, a big-money move is coming — it’s just a question of who gets the call.
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