Alan Shearer, a former Premier League champion, believes that if Manchester United can sign another striker before the transfer window closes, the team can reach "the next level," because Šeško is clearly not fully recovered. The upcoming match against Ipswich is an excellent opportunity for Manchester United to turn things around, though it will also be one of their toughest tests.

Manchester United hoped to build on last season's momentum under Erik ten Hag, but in the Premier League opener against Hull City, the team was outmatched tactically and physically. The loss to this newly promoted side has put Manchester United's transfer strategy under scrutiny, with only one week remaining until the window closes.

The Red Devils prioritized midfield reinforcements this summer, with Noam Keylor, Youri Tielemans, and Carlos Baleba all arriving from other Premier League clubs. However, this focus somewhat weakened squad depth in defense and attack, and the defeat to Hull City exposed both of these shortcomings.

Benjamin Šeško is still recovering from a tibial injury, and Joshua Zirkzee appears to have fallen out of the team's plans. Manchester United's attack lacks threat and a proper focal point. While Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo have operated in attacking roles, Shearer argues that Manchester United urgently needs another pure striker if they want to compete at the highest level.

"I do think they need a forward if they want to go to the next level," Shearer said in an interview.

"I don't think they're strong enough defensively, and they also have shortcomings in the centre forward position."

"It's clear that Šeško is not fully recovered. He came on as a substitute in the second half and missed some good chances. But I still feel that to reach a higher level, they might need another centre forward."

"That said, many teams face this problem. But the key question is: where do you find the right person?"

With Manchester United back in the Champions League, their fixture list will increase significantly, making it even more urgent to strengthen their attacking depth. Last season, Manchester United played only 40 games, their lowest tally since the 1914-15 season. This season, if the team progresses far in European and domestic competitions, they could face up to 60 matches.

This will place enormous pressure on Šeško and other attacking players. Shearer, a Newcastle legend, reflected on the demands: "The matches themselves are fine, but for me, the most grueling part is the travel."

"I actually enjoy playing. Going away, playing against top teams in iconic stadiums, I love that."

"The risk of injury naturally increases, but over a long season, the fatigue from travel is the most exhausting factor, causing huge mental drain."

This weekend, Manchester United will host Ipswich, looking to return to winning ways. However, Shearer said that ten Hag's team needs to improve across all areas to truly launch their season.

"In my opinion, they went to Hull City as if they expected an easy win. But the reality is, in the opening match of the season away to a newly promoted team, you need to at least match your opponents in terms of fight and spirit."

"Manchester United failed to do that from the first minute, and the loss was well-deserved. That performance was very embarrassing for them."

"The next game is an excellent opportunity, and can also be said to be one of their toughest tests. The opponent is also a newly promoted team, but this time it's at home. Everyone will expect them to show a different attitude, deliver a different performance, and achieve a different result."

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