Football
How Sesko and Watkins compare as Man Utd aim to solve striker woes
Manchester United have streamlined their search for a new striker, with Benjamin Sesko and Ollie Watkins emerging as the two main candidates to lead the line at Old Trafford.
Manager Ruben Amorim is eager to reinforce the attack this summer following underwhelming performances from Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee last season.
The pair managed just seven goals across 64 combined Premier League appearances, prompting the club to overhaul its forward options after bringing in Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo.
United have reportedly reached out to Sesko’s camp to pitch their vision, despite not being able to offer European football this season.
The belief within the club is that the RB Leipzig forward could still favour a move to Old Trafford over joining Newcastle, who do have Champions League football on offer.
However, budget constraints could complicate any potential deal. United are well aware that Newcastle could comfortably match the £70 million valuation for Sesko if they sell Alexander Isak to Liverpool, forcing the Red Devils to explore alternative options.
One of those options is Watkins, with Aston Villa believed to value the England international at around £60 million. Still, United are confident they could secure him for closer to £45 million.
Conversations have already taken place with representatives of both players, but the club is said to be evaluating its next steps before making formal offers.
Looking at stats from the last two league seasons, Watkins has scored more goals than Sesko, 35 compared to 27.
However, Sesko has the edge in efficiency, with a higher shot conversion rate of 23.5% versus Watkins’ 18.3%. He also finds the net more frequently, averaging a goal every 145 minutes compared to Watkins’ 167.
Watkins stands out in other areas, providing 21 assists to Sesko’s seven and registering a higher number of shots overall. Both players offer similar output when it comes to aerial duels and defensive pressing.
At just 22, Sesko is viewed as a long-term asset with strong resale potential—something that aligns with Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s cost-conscious approach.
On the other hand, Watkins, now 29, has proven himself at the highest level, tallying 75 Premier League goals since arriving at Villa in 2020, and would likely adapt quickly at United.
Despite the appeal of either option, any move may hinge on finding a buyer for £72 million signing Rasmus Hojlund, who has struggled to justify his price tag.
Chelsea’s Nicolas Jackson was also considered, but the West London club’s staggering £100 million valuation has ruled him out of contention.
While Villa have publicly maintained that Watkins is not for sale, it’s understood that they offered him to Arsenal during the January window before changing course after offloading Jhon Duran instead.
Mbeumo, who played alongside Watkins at Brentford and recently joined United, expressed admiration for the striker during an appearance on the Rio Ferdinand Presents podcast.
Speaking on Watkins’ versatility, he said the forward is “a complete striker” who can both drop deep or run in behind, adding that such qualities make him an ideal partner for a winger.
Football
FIFA finally sanctions Israel and sounds message for peace: Here’s why
FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee has taken action against the Israel Football Association (IFA) after finding breaches of its rules relating to offensive conduct, fair play, and incidents involving discrimination and racist behavior.
As part of the ruling, the IFA has been fined CHF 150,000 (around €165,000), with conditions attached. The federation is required to roll out preventive measures, including displaying a clear anti-discrimination message at its next three home matches in FIFA competitions. The message, which promotes unity and rejects discrimination, must appear alongside the federation’s emblem, with its design, size, and placement submitted to FIFA for approval at least 15 days before each fixture.
Beyond matchday requirements, the IFA must also take longer-term action. Within 60 days, it is expected to allocate one-third of the fine toward a detailed anti-discrimination initiative. This program is set to include structural improvements, defined protocols, monitoring systems, and educational campaigns across stadiums and official platforms throughout an entire season, all subject to FIFA’s approval. The remaining portion of the fine must be settled within 30 days. FIFA has also issued a formal warning regarding future conduct, with the option for the IFA to appeal the decision.
In relation to a separate complaint raised by the Palestinian Football Association concerning teams based in disputed territories, FIFA chose not to impose any measures. The governing body pointed to the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the legal status of the West Bank under international law, but emphasized its willingness to encourage dialogue and mediation between both sides.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino reiterated the organization’s stance on the role of football during periods of political tension, stressing that while the sport cannot solve global conflicts, it can still play a part in bringing people together and fostering understanding through competitions like the World Cup.
Football
New angle emerges of massive brawl in Brazil: Brutal close-range fight footage (VIDEO)
The Minas Gerais state championship final between Cruzeiro Esporte Clube and Clube Atlético Mineiro ended in chaos on Sunday, with a massive on-field brawl. Cruzeiro secured a 1-0 victory, but the match will be remembered for the violent fallout.
Reports from Brazilian media indicate that the referee issued an additional 23 red cards following the melee.
The incident that sparked the conflict occurred in the 97th minute inside Atletico’s penalty area after a collision between Christian of Cruzeiro and home goalkeeper Everson. Everson reacted aggressively, first pushing Christian and then pinning him to the ground with both knees.
Close-range footage of the altercation later surfaced online, showing the intensity of the clash and adding fuel to an already controversial derby.
This extraordinary sequence will likely result in disciplinary action from the league and raises questions about player conduct in high-stakes matches.
Football
Michael Carrick blow as ‘prominent’ target on Man Utd’s managerial shortlist is ‘keen’ on Old Trafford job
Former Brighton & Hove Albion FC boss Roberto De Zerbi is reportedly “keen” on becoming the next manager of Manchester United FC.
The 46-year-old is currently without a club after leaving Olympique de Marseille by mutual agreement last month. Both Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur FC have been linked with a summer move for the Italian as they search for a permanent head coach.
According to reports from The Telegraph, De Zerbi would favour the Old Trafford role if given the choice.
His potential appointment could be a setback for interim United boss Michael Carrick, who has largely impressed since taking charge in January.
Carrick suffered his first defeat on Wednesday as United lost to Newcastle United FC, with goals from Anthony Gordon and William Osula sealing the result.
Despite that setback, several United players are believed to support Carrick being given the role permanently. Senior figures such as Bruno Fernandes, Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw are reportedly impressed by his tactical ideas and deep understanding of the game.
United’s hierarchy have yet to decide whether to stick with the former England international or appoint a new manager. Other names linked with the role include Julian Nagelsmann and Roberto Martínez.
De Zerbi has also been mentioned as a potential candidate at Tottenham. Spurs currently sit 16th in the Premier League, just one point above the relegation zone.
The club dismissed former head coach Thomas Frank last month and appointed Igor Tudor as interim manager.
Tudor has yet to register a win, but after a recent defeat to Crystal Palace FC he insisted the team is still moving in the right direction.
“Unfortunately this is the moment we pay for everything. One red card changes everything,” Tudor said.
“Maybe it will sound strange, but I believe more after this game than before. I saw something. I need to choose the right players because the boat is going in the direction that I want it to go.
“When the injured players return, I’m sure we will have a good team and the victories will come. It’s not easy to accept where we are now, but it is how it is.”
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