Here is a roundup of the top Manchester United news, gossip and transfer latest from icfootballnews featuring the likes of Myles Lewis-Skelly, Antonio Rudiger and Benjamin Sesko that you may have missed…
Former Manchester United striker Michael Owen has cast fresh doubt over the long-term suitability of Benjamin Šeško as the club’s leading forward, urging the Red Devils to pursue an upgrade “in the next year or two.”
The Slovenian striker, who arrived at Manchester United in a deal worth around £74 million last summer, has endured a mixed debut campaign in the Premier League. After a difficult start, Šeško has shown signs of improvement in recent months, scoring regularly and benefiting from a resurgence under interim manager Michael Carrick.
However, Owen remains unconvinced that the striker can lead United back to the top of English football. Speaking recently, the former England international insisted that while Šeško has become “an asset to the team,” he is “not the answer long-term” and not the striker United should rely on in their biggest matches
‘To me, he’s not the answer long-term,’ Owen told casino.org. ‘He’s not the Manchester United centre-forward forever and ever.
‘He’s an expensive player who can get better and be a nice part of their squad, but equally, if United are playing in their biggest game of the season tomorrow, I don’t think he starts.
‘If Manchester United are wanting to get back to where they feel they belong and challenge for the title, I don’t think he’s the centre-forward that you go into the season with all your hopes pinned on.
‘Yes, he’s doing better. It’s great to see because it’s not nice to see anybody struggling. That being said, I think there’s an upgrade in there somewhere along the line in the next year or two or whenever somebody comes available.
‘It’s great now that he can be an influence on the team and the squad and score important goals. But I’m not saying, “oh yeah, everything’s great now and he’s now going to shoot them to the league title”.
‘He’s improved them, he’s confident again and he’s an asset to the team all of a sudden, but there’s still a long way to go.’
Is Owen right—and who could replace Šeško?
Owen’s criticism is blunt but not entirely unfounded. Šeško remains a developing striker with clear physical attributes—pace, aerial ability, and finishing—but he is still inconsistent at the highest level. For a club with Manchester United’s ambitions, relying on potential rather than proven output is always a risk.
That said, writing him off entirely may be premature. Šeško is far from the finished product, and many elite forwards—such as Harry Kane or Didier Drogba—took time to reach their peak years.
If Manchester United were to act on Owen’s advice, several names could fit the “upgrade” profile. Victor Osimhen would offer proven goals at the highest level, combining physicality
with elite finishing.
Another option could be Ivan Toney, whose Premier League experience and composure would provide a more immediate solution, though perhaps with less long-term upside.
Ultimately, the truth likely lies somewhere in between. Šeško may not yet be “the answer,” but he could still become part of it.
UNITED IN RUDIGER TALKS
Premier League rivals Manchester United and Liverpool are reportedly exploring a summer move for Antonio Rüdiger, with the former Chelsea defender potentially available on a free transfer.
According to the METRO, both English giants have made contact to register their interest in the 33-year-old centre-back, whose contract at Real Madrid is due to expire at the end of the season.
Rüdiger, who joined Madrid on a free transfer in 2022, has since made over 170 appearances and added further silverware to an already decorated career. His availability has alerted several top clubs across Europe, with Juventus also understood to be in discussions over a potential deal.
Both Manchester United and Liverpool are believed to be assessing defensive reinforcements ahead of the 2026–27 campaign. United’s interest may hinge on the contract situation of Harry Maguire, while Liverpool face uncertainty over Ibrahima Konaté and the long-term reliability of their current backline.
How realistic is this rumour?
While the reports are consistent across several outlets, the credibility of this rumour should be treated with caution. The key uncertainty lies in whether Rüdiger will actually leave Real Madrid. Despite his contract situation, Madrid still have the option to extend his deal, and players of his calibre are rarely allowed to depart without serious internal consideration.
From a sporting perspective, the interest from both Manchester United and Liverpool makes sense. Rüdiger offers leadership, physicality, and elite-level experience—qualities both squads arguably lack in defence. However, his age could make Premier League clubs hesitant to commit to high wages, especially compared to younger alternatives.
Juventus’ involvement complicates matters further. The Italian side reportedly already have a working relationship with Rüdiger through former coach Luciano Spalletti, which could give them an edge in negotiations.
Premier League vs Italy or Saudi Arabia?
A return to the Premier League offers the most competitive environment and a league where he has already thrived. Manchester United, in particular, could provide a strong sporting project if defensive changes materialise.
Italy, via Juventus, presents a more tactical and potentially less physically demanding league, alongside existing personal connections. Meanwhile, a move to Saudi Arabia—though not heavily reported in this case—would likely offer the most lucrative financial package but less competitive prestige.
MYLES LEWIS-SKELLY TO LEAVE ARSENAL?
Fresh reports suggest that highly-rated Arsenal youngster and Manchester United target Myles Lewis-Skelly could be among the names considered for a summer departure, with former Everton and Aston Villa chief executive Keith Wyness claiming the teenager may form part of a wider squad reshuffle at Arsenal.
Wyness, speaking on Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, revealed that Lewis-Skelly is one of several players being discussed internally as potential exits as the club balances rising wage commitments and ongoing contract renewals.
ARSENAL have recently tied down key stars to long-term deals, increasing financial pressure on the club to remain compliant with spending regulations. As a result, sales—or loan departures—may be required to offset costs and fund further squad improvements.
Lewis-Skelly, 19, was widely regarded as one of Arsenal’s brightest emerging talents following a breakthrough 2024–25 season that earned him England recognition. However, his opportunities have diminished significantly this campaign, with the arrival of defensive reinforcements pushing him down the pecking order.
Clubs including Manchester United are reportedly monitoring the situation, with a loan move seen as a realistic option to secure regular first-team football. Meanwhile, broader reports indicate Arsenal may need to sanction departures this summer after heavy recent spending and continued squad investment.
Despite his clear potential, the prospect of Lewis-Skelly leaving—even temporarily—signals a notable shift in Arsenal’s approach as they look to refine a squad capable of competing for major honours.
A Move That Could Benefit All Parties
For Lewis-Skelly, a move away from Arsenal—particularly on loan—could be essential. At 19, regular minutes are critical, and remaining on the fringes risks stalling the progress of a player once considered central to the club’s future.
With England ambitions also at stake, consistent performances at senior level are vital. Pundits have already warned that limited game time could jeopardise his international prospects, reinforcing the argument that he is “too good” to remain underutilised.
From *ARSENAL*’s perspective, a temporary exit would allow the player to develop elsewhere while preserving long-term value. It is a pragmatic solution in a squad now filled with established options ahead of him.
However, fans are unlikely to welcome the news. Lewis-Skelly represents the Hale End pathway—homegrown, technically gifted, and symbolic of the club’s identity. Losing such a talent, even on loan, risks frustration among supporters who value youth development as part of Arsenal’s DNA.
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