Manchester United legend Peter Schmeichel has criticised his former club’s transfer business following their 3-0 defeat to Manchester City, arguing that Benjamin Sesko was not the signing the team needed most.

The Slovenian striker joined from RB Leipzig in a £73 million deal this summer but has yet to open his account for the Red Devils.

United also bolstered their attack with Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo, but Schmeichel insists the money would have been better spent elsewhere.

Wrong priorities in the market

Speaking on Premier League Productions, Schmeichel acknowledged the potential of Cunha and Mbeumo, but claimed United ignored their most glaring weaknesses.

“In terms of players being brought in, Cunha for instance… I’ve seen things that can happen in the future, something we can build on. Bryan Mbeumo, the same thing, yes, it’s really good. That’s kind of progress,” Schmeichel explained.

“But the issue is, it was so clear all of last season, and it has not been addressed. We didn’t need the third striker. We needed a central midfield player who can control that part of the pitch, and we needed a goalkeeper.”

Goalkeeper concerns remain

United did bring in Senne Lammens from Club Brugge, but the Belgian, with just 54 top-flight appearances to his name, is seen as a development signing rather than an immediate upgrade.

Schmeichel believes a proven, commanding goalkeeper was essential if United were to bridge the gap with their rivals.

A midfield controller still missing

The Danish great also stressed the absence of a midfield general who could dictate games, pointing to the fact that this was a problem carried over from last season.

Despite spending heavily in attack, Amorim’s midfield continues to lack balance, especially against top opposition like City.

Verdict on Benjamin Sesko

For Schmeichel, the Sesko deal represents a misallocation of funds, as United already had attacking options.

Instead, he feels the recruitment team failed to deliver in the two positions most crucial for the team’s progress – goalkeeper and central midfield.