Manchester United risk wasting money by pursuing RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Šeško, according to Rio Ferdinand, who believes the club should instead splash the cash on Brighton’s Carlos Baleba. The former United defender has expressed doubts about the value Šeško would bring, especially with United’s current lack of experience up front.
So far this summer, United have already spent a combined £134.5 million on Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha. While further incomings aren’t ruled out, the club’s focus has now shifted to player sales in order to balance the books before the transfer window closes on Monday, September 1.
Despite the financial constraints, journalist David Ornstein reports that head coach Rúben Amorim still wants three key signings: a striker, a central midfielder, and a goalkeeper.
In the striker department, United are now believed to be deciding between two main targets:
Benjamin Šeško (RB Leipzig), reportedly favoured by Director of Recruitment Christopher Vivell.
Nicolas Jackson (Chelsea), with a potential swap deal involving Alejandro Garnacho, and
However, Ferdinand doesn’t believe Šeško is the right choice for this squad.
“It’s not that I doubt Šeško as a player,” Ferdinand said on his YouTube channel. “But United need experience at the top. Højlund, Zirkzee, Chido — they’re all talented, but young. You need someone who shows them how to play that No.9 role. Šeško is just another risk.”
Ferdinand floated Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins as a safer bet for the No.9 role. But if United can’t secure a striker, he believes the club must go all-in for Carlos Baleba.
“If it were up to me? I’d go for Baleba,” he insisted. “He’s got energy, power, intelligence, Premier League experience — everything United need in midfield. He’d make an immediate impact.”
Baleba joined Brighton from Lille in 2023 for £26 million and made 34 Premier League appearances in his debut season. Having replaced Moisés Caicedo at the Amex, the Cameroon international is already valued at between £80m and £100m, with interest from top clubs including Liverpool.
Amorim: United Could Stick with Current Strikers
Interestingly, Rúben Amorim appears open to entering the season without another striker. Speaking ahead of United’s preseason clash with West Ham, he hinted that his current crop may be enough:
“If we start the season with this group, I’m happy. Mbeumo and Cunha can play up front. We also have Zirkzee and Rasmus [Højlund]. The focus now is on improving how they connect.”
Amorim praised the attitude of his new signings:
“They’re humble, they chose to be here despite other options — even Champions League ones. That tells me a lot.”
Analyst Verdict: Why Baleba Makes More Sense
Ferdinand instead urged United to “break the bank” for Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba, whom he believes could transform the midfield in ways Šeško can’t up front.
“Baleba is Premier League-ready. He’s physical, tactically smart, covers ground and plays with intensity,” Ferdinand explained. “He frees up the rest of the midfield to create and push forward.”
At just 20 years old, Baleba already looks like a top-tier replacement for Moisés Caicedo, the man he succeeded at Brighton. He made 34 Premier League appearances last season and is now reportedly valued between £80–100 million.
With Liverpool also monitoring him, Ferdinand’s message to United is clear: act fast or miss out.
Key Slight: Striker Depth vs. Midfield Stability
United already have a crop of young strikers:
- Rasmus Højlund
- Joshua Zirkzee
- Bryan Mbeumo and Cunha, who can play centrally
But there’s no experienced No.9 to lead the line — a gap Ferdinand believes Šeško can't fill right now.
Meanwhile, the midfield is in flux. With Casemiro’s role uncertain, Kobbie Mainoo still developing, and Bruno Fernandes often pushed high, the addition of a two-way, high-energy midfielder like Baleba could bring badly needed balance.
What’s Next for Man Utd?
According to journalist David Ornstein, Manchester United manager Rúben Amorim still hopes to bring in three more players before the window closes: a striker, a central midfielder, and a backup goalkeeper. However, Amorim has since hinted that he may be willing to go into the new season with his current attacking options. He praised the versatility of Mbeumo and Cunha, who are both capable of playing centrally, and expressed confidence in the development of young forwards like Højlund and Zirkzee.
“If I start the season with this squad, I will be happy,” Amorim said during United’s preseason tour in the United States.
That statement could indicate a shift in priority, with a midfielder like Carlos Baleba potentially becoming the club’s top target — particularly if a new striker proves difficult to secure.
Do you agree with Rio Ferdinand? Should United go all-in for Carlos Baleba — or is Šeško still worth the risk?
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