Manchester United’s strategy to revamp their attacking options this summer has invited a notable amount of scrutiny, especially concerning the arrival of Benjamin Sesko. United in Focus has been instrumental in shedding light on the widening gap between the internal faith in this signing and the external doubts being voiced.
The Slovenian forward joined from RB Leipzig for £73 million, marking the culmination of a significant overhaul of the attacking lineup. Matheus Cunha was the first new face, followed by an extensive pursuit of Bryan Mbeumo, with United finally wrapping up a late deal for Sesko. Now, with Ruben Amorim at the helm for his second season, Sesko has begun to show his worth, netting two goals in his last two appearances.
Sesko’s influence has been both immediate and significant. He was signed to fill the void left by Rasmus Hojlund, and he has already matched half of Hojlund’s Premier League goal tally from the previous season. Amorim has emphasized that the club’s vision for Sesko is long-term, stating he is expected to be a fixture at United for many years.
Agent Criticism Sparks Debate Over Timing
Despite his promising start, not all observers are convinced of the wisdom of the transfer. United in Focus reported that The Athletic consulted 20 football agents, many of whom were critical of the deal. One remarked it was “too much money and too soon,” while another claimed that United was “pressurized into making the signing.” A third agent went so far as to label it “a lot of money for little pedigree.”
This criticism is not without merit. Hojlund faced similar pressures last season, underperforming as the sole striking option for United. Instead of bringing in a seasoned striker, Ineos chose to invest in younger talent with potential, prioritizing long-term value over established success.
Mentality Separates Sesko From His Predecessors
What sets Sesko apart is his mentality. Since arriving at Manchester, he has exhibited a strong mindset, which is essential for thriving under the spotlight at United. After a challenging few weeks on the bench, he has secured his place in Amorim’s starting lineup.
Importantly, he benefits from a more experienced attacking unit. With contributions from Mbeumo, Cunha, and Bruno Fernandes, Sesko doesn’t bear the full burden of scoring, allowing him to develop his game more freely.
Foundation For Growth Under Amorim
Amorim has expressed satisfaction with Sesko’s beginnings, and the stylistic alignment seems promising. While concerns regarding his transfer fee may persist, perceptions can change with consistent goal-scoring. If Sesko continues to deliver, external critiques will fade into the background.
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From a Manchester United fan perspective, this criticism feels reminiscent of last year’s narrative surrounding Hojlund’s arrival, which was met with doubts over his youth and cost. While Hojlund had a tough time, the chaotic system surrounding him didn’t help. With Amorim now in his second season, that chaos has evolved into a more structured approach.
Sesko already displays more composure in front of goal than Hojlund did at this stage in his career. He possesses the physicality of a traditional number nine while demonstrating the agility of a modern striker. Crucially, he seems undeterred by pressure; his early goals against Sunderland and other teams suggest that he carries himself like a player who anticipates success.
The agents questioning this signing may be frustrated that a player they once tried to place elsewhere has now landed at Old Trafford. Historically, Manchester United has thrived when faced with skepticism from the outside. Should Sesko net ten league goals before Christmas, the narrative will change, and those initial concerns will be seen as an unfair assessment of an early bargain.