Man Utd Yank Mbeumo and Šeško from International Duty – Owen Says Sesko Ain't the One Long-Term
Manchester United have withdrawn forwards Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Šeško from international duty as a precaution amid fitness concerns, prioritising their Premier League push. Michael Owen doubts Šeško's long-term fit as United's No.9 despite his recent form, while praising interim boss Michael Carrick's strong record. The Red Devils sit third, eyeing Champions League spots with key fixtures ahead.
Man Utd Play It Safe with Mbeumo and Šeško Ahead of Crunch Time
Picture this: you're nursing a pint, scrolling through the footy news, and suddenly Manchester United are pulling their star forwards from international call-ups like they're handling fine china. Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Šeško have both bailed on their national teams – Cameroon and Slovenia respectively – citing fitness niggles. No major drama, mind; it's all precautionary, especially with neither side chasing World Cup glory, just some friendly jaunts.
Mbeumo hobbled off late in that gritty 2-2 draw with Bournemouth last Friday, and United reckon it's best he skips Cameroon's FIFA Series friendlies against Australia and China. Meanwhile, Šeško has been soldiering on through a managed issue at club level, so Slovenia's pointless pre-friendlies get the snub too. Smart move from the Red Devils – they've each banged in 10 goals this season (nine in the Prem), and United can't afford any slip-ups now.
Noussair Mazraoui, on the brighter side, is good to go for Morocco after shaking off a bug. The Atlas Lions are gearing up for World Cup qualifiers with games against Ecuador and Paraguay. United fans, breathe easy – your wing-back's flying the flag.
Goal Machines on the Mend – But Owen's Not Sold on Šeško
These lads have been gold dust up top. Mbeumo, nabbed from Brentford, hit the ground running but has gone a bit quiet lately – no goals in six weeks. Šeško, the £74m splash from RB Leipzig, started slow with just two in his first 14 games, but he's exploded since Ruben Amorim shipped out: eight in 11. Bloke's only 22, finding his feet in a new league, and suddenly he's a menace.
United shelled out around £200m last summer revamping the attack, bringing in Šeško, Matheus Cunha, and Mbeumo. Last season, they were goal-shy – only four Prem sides scored fewer. This term? Third-highest tally, trailing just Arsenal and Man City. Proper transformation, that.
But hold up – ex-Red Devil Michael Owen isn't buying the hype on Šeško as the eternal saviour. Chatting to casino.org, he laid it out: "He's not the answer long-term. Not the centre-forward forever and ever." Owen admits the kid's turned a corner, scoring big now, but in United's marquee clashes? Nah, he'd bench him. For title-chasing, they need an upgrade soonish. Fair play or harsh? You decide over your next round.
Carrick's Magic Touch and the Champions League Dash
Interim gaffer Michael Carrick? Blimey, he's been class – W7 D2 L1 since taking the reins. Owen's baffled at talk of sacking him come summer: "Astounded! What more can he do? Let it roll." Imagine binning him and spiralling again – ownership would cop it proper.
That Bournemouth slip could've hurt, but United cling to third in the Prem. Aston Villa lurk one point off fourth, yet Chelsea and Liverpool losses padded the cushion. With England eyeing a fifth Champions League spot (cheers to those Euro progression runs), United lead sixth-placed Blues by seven points with seven games left. Fate's in their hands.
Next up: Leeds at Old Trafford on April 13, then a massive Chelsea trek five days later. Liverpool rock up in May too. Get Mbeumo and Šeško match-fit post-break, and Carrick's lads could seal top-four. As reported by the sharp minds at Football365 and EPL Index via OneFootball, this is United's window to boss it.
Fingers crossed, eh? The run-in's a belter.