Aheed Abrar
RB Leipzig loanee Benjamin Sesko seen as Cristiano Ronaldo replacement as Manchester United retain interest
Manchester United are still interested in signing RB Leipzig loanee Benjamin Sesko as a replacement for Portugal international Cristiano Ronaldo, according to The Telegraph (Subscription Required) [Mirror].
The Red Devils parted ways with the five-time Ballon d’Or winner and terminated his contract. As a result, the club have saved £16 million, the remaining salary the 37-year-old superstar was owed in his deal.
United are now in the market to reinforce the forward line and are keeping an eye on the Slovenia international. He is still on the Red Devils’ shortlist of forwards. However, a deal for the 19-year-old seems unlikely.
Sesko signed for the Bundesliga outfit in the summer of 2022 from sister club Red Bull Salzburg. And the Slovenian was loaned back to the Austrian club for the 2022/23 campaign.
The 19-year-old had his breakout season in the previous campaign. And in this term, in 25 appearances in all competitions, the youngster has found the back of the net seven times and has provided three assists.
Sesko has also taken international football by storm. The 19-year-old has garnered 17 caps for his national side, scoring five goals. However, Slovenia were unable to qualify for the World Cup in Qatar.
Ten Hag has had to rely on Marcus Rashford in the number nine position predominantly this season. And the 25-year-old has done a decent job. However, it is evident with some of the England international’s finishing that it is not his natural role.
Due to Anthony Martial’s injury struggles, the Dutch manager has had to count on the United academy graduate up front. And in recent weeks, even Ronaldo got into the starting lineup regularly.
More Manchester United News
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- Gabriel Agbonlahor tells critics of Manchester United defender Harry Maguire to apologise after England vs Iran
Thus, most fans feel bolstering the forward line should be a priority for the Old Trafford side. And Sesko is an up-and-coming prospect with immense potential. However, is he the answer to our problems? Only time will tell.
