Manchester United’s search for a new striker has hit a critical phase as the club pushes to land a top-tier forward before the Premier League season kicks off. With pressure mounting, new head coach Rúben Amorim has made it clear who he wants — but the board may have different plans.
United Make Their Move for Benjamin Sesko
According to talkSPORT’s Ben Jacobs and Alex Crook, Manchester United have opened negotiations with RB Leipzig over highly-rated Benjamin Sesko, as they race to beat Newcastle United to his signature.
“Manchester United have opened talks for Benjamin Sesko after sending a delegation to Germany to meet with RB Leipzig officials,” the report confirms.
The push is being led by head of recruitment Christopher Vivell, with chief negotiator Matt Hargreaves already in Germany. United believe a deal in the region of €70 million could be enough to secure the 22-year-old Slovenian.
Newcastle, meanwhile, are scrambling after setbacks in their striker hunt. With Alexander Isak potentially on his way out and Viktor Gyokeres joining Arsenal, their pursuit of Sesko is becoming more urgent — but United may now be a step ahead.
Amorim Wants Premier League Proven Talent
Despite United’s firm interest in Sesko, manager Rúben Amorim reportedly has different priorities. The Portuguese tactician is pushing for Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins, a striker with proven Premier League experience and consistency.
United have been linked to Watkins for weeks, and Amorim sees him as the ideal fit for his attacking setup. However, there’s a major obstacle: Villa insist their star man is not for sale, and Watkins himself may be unconvinced by United’s lack of European football this season.
“If they’re not willing to get close to Villa’s valuation, Watkins might be unconvinced United really want him,” Jacobs and Crook note.
Big Money Already Spent
United have already splashed the cash this summer, bringing in Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo to bolster the forward line. Ironically, they spent more on these two than they appear willing to spend on Watkins — adding weight to the idea that Amorim’s preferred targets aren’t being fully backed.
What Happens Next?
With the season fast approaching, the pressure is on. Benjamin Sesko remains a top target, but if Amorim can persuade the board to shift focus to Watkins, things could change fast — if Villa show any willingness to talk.
For now, United’s striker saga continues, and fans will be watching closely to see if the club lands the rising star from Leipzig, or finds a way to deliver their manager’s preferred Premier League powerhouse.
