Šeško, who arrived from RB Leipzig in the summer amid huge expectation, has scored only two goals in his first 12 appearances and is now facing several weeks on the sidelines after picking up an injury before the international break.

Fowler said ''He looks like a player still finding his level.'' Speaking about the Slovenian’s adaptation, Fowler didn’t hold back.

The former England forward said the 21-year-old has shown flashes of talent but is “miles behind” the physical and tactical sharpness required to lead the line in England, especially at a club the size of United.

Fowler suggested that, compared to Viktor Gyökeres the striker many believed United could have signed for a similar fee Šeško appears far less prepared for the demands of the league.

“Gyökeres looks built for England,” Fowler said. “Šeško has the attributes, but right now he’s playing like someone still adjusting to the pace, the pressure and the expectation.”

Alan Shearer has also questioned the return United are getting from their investment. The Premier League’s record goalscorer said United “paid top-end money for potential” and warned the club that they may need to be patient if they want to see the best of the young striker.

Shearer believes Šeško’s movement and physical presence are promising, but insists he “should be on more than two goals by now” given the minutes he has played.

Šeško’s injury means he will sit out games against Everton, Crystal Palace, West Ham, Wolves and Bournemouth, forcing manager Ruben Amorim to lean on Joshua Zirkzee or academy breakthrough Chido Obi to lead the attack.

United have quietly put together a five-match unbeaten run in the Premier League, climbing towards the European places, but Amorim knows Šeško’s absence leaves his squad light in a key position.

Inside Old Trafford, the club maintains full confidence in Šeško’s long-term potential. United believe his ceiling is extremely high and significantly higher than most strikers his age but accept that he was never going to explode instantly.

Amorim has already spoken privately about the need to “protect” the forward, stressing that the club will not judge him solely on his first few months.

Still, with United expected to be active in the market again in January, the microscope on Šeško will only intensify when he returns.

For now, the message from Old Trafford is patience. Judging from Fowler and Shearer’s comments, the message from elsewhere is far less forgiving.