Manchester United have struggled for a proven goalscoring presence over the past couple of years, with Alan Shearer previously giving his take on why Rasmus Hojlund has failed to find the net
Benjamin Sesko could be the solution to Manchester United's goalscoring woes in the new season if the Red Devils are able to beat Newcastle United to the punch for his signature. The RB Leipzig striker has impressed in the Bundesliga at the tender age of 22.
He has managed 39 goals in 87 games for his current club, whom he joined in 2023. As a result, a number of Premier League clubs have registered an interest in the Slovenia international this summer, with United and the Magpies doing battle at present to secure his services.
Rasmus Hojlund, who currently leads the line at Old Trafford, has failed to live up to the £72million fee United agreed with Atalanta for him two years ago, finding the back of the net a mere four times in 32 Premier League appearances last term. However, the blame for United's lacklustre 16th place finish last season isn't solely on Hojlund, with Newcastle legend Alan Shearer explaining how link-up play has been a real issue for the Red Devils for years.
Speaking on Match of the Day back in 2023 while Erik ten Hag was in charge of United, Shearer was particularly critical of Antony's service to Hojlund, highlighting how something was "drastically wrong" in terms of how the players communicated and operated as a team. He explained: "Antony into Hojlund, six passes in what five games?
"All season, [Alejandro] Garnacho, five passes, that should be happening per game, nevermind five or six games. There is something drastically wrong and they are never going to score goals until they improve on that."
At the time of Shearer's analysis, Hojlund had also received the fewest passes of any Premier League forward in 2023/24, further cementing how team-mates were failing to find the young Dane.
However, an elite recruitment specialist now claims Sesko could be the answer to the qualms faced in the red half of Manchester long before the arrival of Ruben Amorim.
Speaking about Sesko's strengths, the anonymous source told the BBC: "One of his strengths is getting the ball quickly. He can hold it, hold defenders off, he can give it to the winger, he can give it to the 10. He's good in front of goal. He has a good attitude. He is relentless."
However, the expert also warned that as Sesko is still shy of a finished product due to his age and levels of experience, he may not be an instant impact at Old Trafford, and may need time to shape himself in the English top flight. They added: "You wouldn't expect him to hit the ground running straight away, but in six to 12 months he will be fine and you've got yourself a very good player."
While Shearer has insisted that United's passing game in the final third needs a major revamp, he may find himself bittersweet at the prospect of them signing Sesko, given his ties to Newcastle who are also vying for his signature.
With Liverpool target Alexander Isak's future with the club thrown into question as the Swede looks to explore his options away from St. James' Park, the Magpies are on the hunt for a fresh No. 9. However, they may have to look elsewhere as Sesko has reportedly prioritised a move to Manchester rather than Tyneside. United have initiated talks with hopes of striking a deal with Leipzig.
It is thought that Sesko will be permitted to make his way to United if the side can meet Leipzig's valuation of their talisman, which is thought to be in the region of £60m to £70m plus add-ons.
Sesko isn't the only star that Manchester United and Newcastle have battled over this summer either, with The Sun suggesting that both clubs are also exploring the possibility of bringing VfB Stuttgart striker, Nick Woltemade, to the Premier League.
The 23-year-old has been on Bayern Munich's radar all summer, but with the Bavarians recently securing a £65.5m deal with Liverpool for Luis Diaz, they may now abandon their pursuit and leave the door open for another battle between the north east and the north west.
Valued at £40m at present, Woltemade impressed with Die Roten last season, bagging 17 goals and three assists in 33 outings. He also shined bright at this year's UEFA European U21 Championship, clinching the top scorer award with Germany with six goals to his name.