Man United’s Benjamin Sesko voted worst summer signing

Manchester United striker Benjamin Sesko has been named the worst signing of the 2025 summer transfer window by football agents, according to a survey conducted by The Athletic.

The 22-year-old joined United from RB Leipzig in August for a hefty £74 million fee, despite reports that manager Ruben Amorim had preferred Aston Villa forward Ollie Watkins instead.

Struggles at Old Trafford

Sesko’s start to life at Old Trafford was far from convincing. The Slovenian international failed to score in his first six appearances across all competitions, drawing widespread criticism from fans and pundits.

Although he has recently begun to find his rhythm, netting twice in consecutive Premier League matches, his earlier performances heavily influenced the agents’ judgment.

Out of 20 football agents surveyed, some named multiple players, but Sesko received six votes, the highest tally. Manchester City goalkeeper James Trafford ranked second, with half as many votes.

“They were pressurised into making that signing,” one agent said of United’s decision.

Another described the deal as “a lot of money for not much of a pedigree,” while a third remarked, “Way too much money and much too soon.”

Owen defends the young striker

Despite the criticism, former England striker Michael Owen has urged patience with Sesko, arguing that it is too early to judge the forward.

“I’d hate to judge him so early,” Owen told The Sun. “His team might have played seven games, but he hasn’t started all of them.

“His presence and physicality are clear, and now that he’s scored a couple of goals, his confidence will grow.”

Owen added that Sesko is beginning to adapt to his surroundings and that any fair assessment should come only after several more appearances.

“Let’s see him after another 10 or 15 games,” Owen concluded.