Forget Baleba: Man Utd can unlock Sesko's potential by signing £39m star in January

Manchester United have had a difficult start to the Premier League season, picking up only seven points from their opening six matches.

The Red Devils have scored just seven league goals. Benjamin Sesko has featured in every game for the club upfront, scoring just once.

The lack of sufficient service has been a concern for some time, and in our opinion, United should pursue another deep-lying playmaker.

Bruno Fernandes has started alongside Casemiro or Manuel Ugarte in the heart of the midfield this campaign.

Both Casemiro and Ugarte have struggled with their positioning in the number six role, and United need an upgrade.

We believe Crystal Palace star Adam Wharton would be a perfect signing for the Red Devils at the turn of the year.

The 21-year-old has a phenomenal work rate. He has the ability to control proceedings with his precise positioning and ball recoveries.

The Blackburn Rovers graduate also has the knack of providing quality through balls from deep-lying positions.

He showcased his brilliant vision against Liverpool recently by creating two big chances, which Palace failed to capitalise upon.

If United were to sign the FA Cup winner in January, it could help unlock Sesko’s potential going forward.

Fernandes will have more freedom to press forward with a more reliable holding midfielder in Wharton behind him to provide cover.

The Portuguese will therefore be able to create more goalscoring chances for Sesko without the extra defensive burden.

Wharton has also demonstrated the ability to deliver quality through balls with pinpoint accuracy.

United could utilise his creativity from the number six position to get the best out of Sesko on the counter-attack.

Wharton has a Transfermarkt value of £39 million, but Palace are bound to demand £60-65m for his services in future.

They may not necessarily open the door for a winter exit, but United must persuade them into a deal in January to boost their European qualification prospects.

We would personally prefer a move for Wharton over Carlos Baleba, who is more of a traditional defensive midfielder. His form has been poor at Brighton & Hove Albion this term.

United can’t afford to miss out on Europe for the second year running and must land a marquee midfielder when the transfer window reopens in January.

Stats from Transfermarkt.com & Sofascore.com

Article written by Sri Aswin .