The latest Man Utd transfer news and opinion as they continue to chase RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko.
Isaac is a senior NCTJ-trained journalist with an MA in News Journalism. He has experience of working for national and regional news organisations including the Express, the Manchester Evening News and the Liverpool Echo. He currently covers sport across all regional sites at Reach PLC.
RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko may be the perfect signing for Manchester United this summer.(Image: Ulrik Pedersen/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Manchester United could be set for a dream final month of the summer transfer window.
United badly needed to fix their goal-scoring issues after netting an abysmal 44 goals in the Premier League last term. Chances were regularly squandered by United’s attacking players, who all lacked the composure needed to convert goal-scoring opportunities.
Those problems have been identified and seem to have been partly addressed with the signings of Bryan Mbeumo from Brentford and Wolves’ Matheus Cunha. And yet a truly top squad needs a reliable goal-scoring No.9, and that’s why they are chasing a deal for RB Leipzig forward Benjamin Sesko.
The 22-year-old has the attributes that Rasmus Hojlund has lacked to succeed in the Premier League. Sesko’s pace, strength in the air and composure could make him one of Europe’s finest strikers.
Attention should then turn towards a new midfielder with physical presence after Ruben Amorim‘s side were badly overrun in that department, for much of last season. Joao Palhinha would have fitted in well at Old Trafford, but the former Fulham player now looks set to join Tottenham Hotspur instead.
Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton is one of the brightest English midfielders around at the moment and he may be a better option. Wharton is a Premier League regular for the Eagles and played a huge role in their shock FA Cup win.
The 21-year-old is also a full England international who has been to a major tournament with the Three Lions. Ineos appears to be targeting young stars at Old Trafford, and so he fits the bill perfectly.
PSG’s Gianluigi Donnarumma would be an upgrade on the club’s goalkeeping options. (Image: Getty Images)
A new goalkeeper would then be looked at in an ideal world. Paris Saint-Germain shot-stopper Gianluigi Donnarumma has been linked in recent days and would represent a significant upgrade on Andre Onana.
The Italian No.1 is in the prime of his career and, although his ball-playing ability may not be as accomplished as Onana’s, his shot-stopping skills are markedly better.
Sales will be needed to pull off much of United’s remaining potential deals before the summer window closes on September 1. The club’s so called “bomb squad” has narrowed to four players after Marcus Rashford’s departure to Barcelona on loan.
But Alejandro Garnacho, Antony, Jadon Sancho and Tyrell Malacia remain stuck at Carrington with all their futures still unresolved. United will be hoping to sell all four – or hope to at least get a transfer fee for Garnacho – even if it means loaning out the other three players.
The Argentine’s homegrown status as an academy graduate would mean that any sale represents “pure profit” and provides a significant PSR (Profit and Sustainability Rules) boost for United. It will be much-needed as the club look towards a brighter and much-improved 2025/2026 campaign under Amorim.
Get United transfer news and updates on WhatsApp!
Our team of Manchester United experts are on top of all the goings-on at Old Trafford for this week and beyond, and you can get the latest team news, injury updates, reaction and analysis along with inside information to your phone by joining our new free WhatsApp community. You can also join the 50,000 (and growing!) band of United fans who are following our WhatsApp Channel.
Sign up to our community here, and join our WhatsApp channel here.
—
We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
Here at The Manchester Evening News, we are dedicated to bringing you the best Manchester United coverage and analysis.
Make sure you don’t miss out on the latest United news by joining our free WhatsApp group. You can get all the breaking news and best analysis sent straight to your phone by clicking here to subscribe.
You can also subscribe to our free newsletter service. Click here to be sent all the day’s biggest stories.
And, finally, if you would rather listen to our expert analysis then make sure to check out our Manchester is Red podcast, featuring The Samuel Luckhurst Show and The Midweek Debate. Our shows are available on all podcast platforms, including Spotify and Apple Podcasts, and you can also watch along on YouTube.