Two winners and losers as Benjamin Sesko chooses Manchester United

Ruben Amorim is shaping a new-look frontline at Manchester United as a deal to sign Benjamin Sesko reaches the final stages.

The Red Devils have splashed the cash this summer with big-money acquisitions for Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo already through the door.

While there is still much work to be done before last season’s 15th-placed Premier League side can dream of challenging at the top end of the table once again, it’s clear Amorim is prioritising a reshuffle of his attacking options.

According to David Ornstein, the Slovenian international has informed all parties of his desire to move to Old Trafford as Manchester United work to finalise an agreement with Leipzig.

Newcastle United’s move for Sesko prompted Manchester United to hijack the deal, and as an official agreement draws near, here are two potential winners and losers.

Winner: Bruno Fernandes

Al-Hilal prepared a record-breaking offer for Bruno Fernandes, as revealed exclusively by TBR Football in June, but the Portuguese talisman opted to remain at Old Trafford.

Now, Fernandes will undoubtedly hope his loyalty to Manchester United will be rewarded by the club with his lofty ambitions matched on the pitch.

The 30-year-old contributed eight goals and 10 assists in the Premier League last term, accounting for 40% of his side’s goal output. Manchester United must alleviate the burden on his shoulders.

Photo by Kevin C. Cox – Premier League/Getty Images

When the next campaign kicks off in less than two weeks, he will look around the Old Trafford dressing room and see Cunha, Mbeumo, and potentially Sesko ready to get amongst the goals and breathe a sigh of relief.

Winner: Ruben Amorim

Amorim will start the upcoming Premier League campaign under immense pressure at Old Trafford and must hit the ground running.

He, of course, now holds the accolade of securing Manchester United’s worst league finish in history, and anything less than returning European football next term will be deemed another disaster.

Nevertheless, Amorim wants a long-term future in Manchester, and the board is ensuring the Portuguese boss has the necessary firepower to overturn his fortunes with the club.

Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images

The Red Devils only mustered 44 goals in the Premier League last term, but the possibility of Sesko linking up alongside Cunha and Mbeumo is enough to make any manager giddy with excitement.

Loser: Joshua Zirkzee

Joshua Zirkzee has endured far from an easy ride in England since making the £36.5 million switch from Bologna in 2024, and he now looks set to lose his place in the starting line-up.

A return of three goals in 32 Premier League outings last term is nowhere near good enough to represent Manchester United, as Zirkzee was heavily criticised at Old Trafford throughout a campaign that left a lot to be desired.

The Netherlands international showed glimpses of his dynamic playstyle, but when all is said and done, goals win football matches, and Amorim clearly sees Sesko as the man to do the business.

Photo by Manchester United/Manchester United

There will be ample opportunity for Zirkzee to stake a claim for a place in the side, but with no European football at Old Trafford, chances to impress will be scarce at best.

Loser: Rasmus Hojlund

Rasmus Hojlund is likely to leave Manchester United should Sesko move to Old Trafford, according to TBR Football chief correspondent Graeme Bailey.

Unlike Zirkzee, Hojlund will not be granted the opportunity to compete for minutes alongside the potential new signing; instead, it will spell the end of his time in Manchester.

The 22-year-old arrived with a glowing reputation after making a name for himself at Serie A outfit Atalanta, but his time at the Red Devils has not panned out as hoped.

Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images

His name will be etched alongside a long list of transfer failures at Manchester United once he completes an expected exit. Nevertheless, it appears that the right time has come for all parties to move on.

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