Manchester United legend Nicky Butt has criticized the club’s decision to sign Benjamin Sesko over Aston Villa’s £60m-rated Ollie Watkins, arguing the experienced striker would have provided better support for younger attackers.
Nicky Butt Questions Man United’s Sesko Choice Over £60m Watkins Move
Manchester United’s summer transfer strategy has come under fire from club legend Nicky Butt, who believes the Red Devils made a critical error in signing Benjamin Sesko instead of pursuing £60m-rated Ollie Watkins. With the September 2025 transfer window now closed, Butt’s criticism highlights concerns about United’s approach to strengthening their attacking options for the new season.
The former United midfielder has been particularly vocal about what he sees as a missed opportunity, emphasizing that Watkins would have provided crucial experience and reliability. Butt stated that the Aston Villa striker would have offered a dependable “safety net” for United’s younger attacking players, contrasting this with Sesko’s profile as a developmental prospect requiring time to reach his potential.
United’s decision to prioritize the younger Sesko over the more established Watkins reflects the club’s apparent strategy of investing in long-term potential rather than immediate impact. While Sesko represents a future-focused acquisition, Butt’s assessment suggests this approach may have overlooked the tactical benefits of adding proven Premier League experience to support the squad’s development.
The criticism comes at a time when Manchester United’s transfer business is under increased scrutiny, with the club having finalized their summer recruitment before the window’s closure. Butt’s position as a respected former player and academy coach adds weight to his concerns about the strategic direction of United’s striker acquisitions.
With no official response from Manchester United regarding Butt’s criticism, the debate over the Sesko versus Watkins decision remains unresolved. The true measure of United’s choice will ultimately depend on Sesko’s adaptation and performance, though Butt’s intervention suggests the club may face renewed pressure to consider experienced options in future transfer windows should their young striker fail to meet expectations.
