Robbie Fowler has been left unimpressed by Manchester United summer signing Benjamin Sesko and says the striker looks more like an academy player at present.
Sesko has endured a subdued start to his Old Trafford career since he arrived in a £74million move from RB Leipzig last summer.
The Slovenia international has scored just two goals in 11 appearances for Ruben Amorim’s side in all competitions, and has often been reduced to cameo appearances in United’s biggest games of the season so far.
After the Red Devils signed Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha, they were keen to add a recognised No9 to replace the misfiring Rasmus Hojlund who eventually left for Napoli.
But United only made a move for Sesko after Amorim’s first-choice target Viktor Gyokeres, who he worked with at Sporting, joined Arsenal in a deal worth £64m.
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While yet to set the world alight, Gyokeres has still managed four goals in ten league appearances, and Fowler believes the Swede has made far more of a positive impression than the aforementioned Sesko.
Asked which striker had adapted quicker to the English top flight, Fowler told Adventure Gamers: ‘For me I think the obvious one is Gyokeres.
‘He’s probably better suited to the Premier League and he understands what is needed in terms of speed, energy and commitment.
‘Whereas Sesko has probably struggled a little at times. He looks a little bit, I hope this doesn’t come across wrong, but he looks a bit of an academy player.
‘I have no doubt he’s a good player. No one’s questioning his ability, but at the minute I think out of those two it’s Gyokeres by far who looks better equipped.’
Elsewhere, former Newcastle United striker Alan Shearer believes that £74m transfer fee splashed out for Sesko, the fifth-highest in the club’s history, already looks to be excessive.
‘They paid 70 odd million for him,’ he told Betfair. ‘That was a lot of money, I know it’s the market but it was too much. He’s had a tough start and I don’t expect huge things from him to be honest.
‘I think he’s a good player but I’m not sure he’s any more than that. He should have scored a couple more goals than he has so far.
‘It’s been a tough start for him, especially considering the money United paid.’
Sesko is currently set for a spell on the sidelines after limping off with a knee injury in the 2-2 draw with Tottenham prior to the international break.
While United are yet to make an official announcement, reports suggest that the striker has avoided a serious injury and will be out for no more than a month.
The Red Devils host Everton at Old Trafford next Monday before a run of three games in eight days against Crystal Palace, West Ham and Wolves.
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