Manchester United chiefs are running the risk of upsetting Ruben Amorim by pressing ahead with a move for Benjamin Sesko. The Red Devils are desperate to sign a new striker and have reportedly identified the RB Leipzig forward as their top target. He is also thought to be admired by Newcastle, who are seeking a replacement for Alexander Isak in case the Swede joins Liverpool.
United are reportedly trying to hijack the Magpies’ pursuit of Sesko by ramping up their interest in his signature. It has been reported that a delegation has been sent to Germany with the aim of finding a breakthrough in negotiations. The player is said to be keen on moving to Old Trafford and would pick United if it came to a straight choice between them and Newcastle.
Even though United are going all out for Sesko, it seems Amorim is not convinced they are making the right choice. He reportedly wants the Red Devils to sign Ollie Watkins instead, believing he would be a better fit to lead the line next season.
United’s head of recruitment Christopher Vivell is said to be the driving force behind their interest in signing Sesko. He has already played a key role in the forward’s career, helping to bring him to Red Bull Salzburg when he was a teenager.
Vivell previously explained why he believes Sesko is a top talent, telling the Bundesliga website: “He has enormous potential to become a top player. He has all the qualities to do that.
“He’s extremely quick, has a great jump on him and is strong in the air. Benjamin is a real goalscorer, who despite his [height], he is mobile and technically strong. His abilities make him a special player with a special profile.”
The problem is that Amorim, not Vivell, will be the one tasked with getting the best out of the squad at his disposal. If he does not get the players he truly believes would excel under his style of play, it could be a recipe for disaster.
Watkins was originally United’s top choice, given that he boasts a wealth of Premier League experience. Sesko, while a prolific scorer in Germany, does not fit in with the tried-and-tested profile that Amorim is clearly looking for.
If his preferences are being ignored by Vivell, who has never managed a team before, it does not offer a great deal of optimism about United’s scouting process.
Sesko is younger than Watkins, meaning that on paper he has a greater ceiling and a higher resale value. However, with United desperately needing to get back into Europe next season, they need to sign players more likely to hit the ground running.
They should go and get the striker their manager wants, even if that means overlooking the views of suits in the boardroom. If they sign Sesko and he fails to do the business, it will be Amorim who will be left to pick up the pieces.
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